Matter of Vax

podcast and video series

Welcome to our brand new season of Matter of Vax, a bite-sized podcast and video series where we go beyond the headlines to explore the vast world of vaccine-preventable diseases. From common infections to preventable cancers, we unpack the science, debunk myths, and provide actionable information on how vaccines protect you and your loved ones.

Join us as we dive deep with experts to give you the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about your health.

Watch the videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a contagious and unpredictable virus that can strike anyone, from infants to older adults.

During pregnancy immunity is weaker making women more at risk of infectious diseases. It’s a critical time for preventive action.

When planning a pregnancy, it’s important to talk with a doctor about your current immunity.

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can cause serious health problems.

Planning To Travel? Don't forget your travel vaccinations!

Missing the right shots can put a damper on your dream holiday.

Remember that awful cough that made you gasp for breath? It could be whooping cough (pertussis)!

This highly contagious disease can affect anyone, not just kids.

Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is the disease caused when the chickenpox virus reactivates.

Shingles can cause severe pain that can last for months.

HPV is a common virus that can lead to cervical cancer & other cancers.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent HPV!

Pneumococcal disease causes serious illnesses like pneumonia & meningitis, tragically claiming the lives of around one million children each year.

It's especially risky for young children & older adults, but anyone can get it.

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can progress quickly. Learn the symptoms (headache, fever, rash) and act FAST!

Vaccination is the best protection.

The flu can be serious.

That's why getting vaccinated every year is important!

You can download the videos here.

Listen to the podcast

About Steph

Health advocate, Steph O’Connell, MHC, A.Dip A.

Darkinjung country, NSW, Australia

LinkedIn: stephoconnell88 Twitter: @stephoc

Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in strategic communications and health communications. She became a public voice for vaccinations when her daughter, Lily (23), narrowly survived W strain of Meningococcal on Christmas Day, 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney that has since transformed Lily’s life.

Steph’s advocacy for immunisation awareness and vaccination became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns by the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for awareness, education and vaccination.

Steph’s work expanded during the pandemic and today she continues to advocate for improved access to vaccines, public education for lifelong vaccination behaviour and policy reform. MatterofVax, in collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia takes a look at topical immunisation issues on video and podcast.

Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel, for Immunisation Foundation of Australia.

Matter Of Vax is supported through an unrestricted educational grant from GSK Australia.