In this episode of the Matter of Vax podcast, host Steph O'Connell discusses shingles and vaccines with guest Dr. Paul Van Buynder, a public health physician and professor in the School of Medicine at Griffith University. Shingles is a common and painful condition that affects a large number of Australians each year, especially those over the age of 50. Dr. Van Buynder explains the long-term consequences of shingles, including postherpetic neuralgia and eye complications

He discusses two vaccines available in Australia, Zoster and Shingrix, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each and ways to protect oneself against shingles. 

Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information

Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in strategic 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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Steph speaks with Dr. Rod Pearce, the Chair of the Immunisation Coalition and former member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). They discuss the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in Australia, its history, how vaccines are included and how vital the program is for all of us.

They highlight the complex process of funding and decision-making, with tensions between medical recommendations and government funding. They also touch on the eligibility criteria for vaccines and the involvement of various healthcare providers. Dr. Pearce emphasises the importance of public discussion and awareness regarding vaccines that are recommended but not funded. The episode provides insights into the NIP's evolution and challenges.

Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information

Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in strategic 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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "Matter of Vax" podcast, host Steph O'Connell interviews Professor Julia Brotherton, a public health physician and professor of cancer prevention policy and implementation. They discuss the human papillomavirus (HPV), its link to cancers, the importance of vaccination and its impact on cervical cancer’s global footprint.

The HPV vaccine, developed by Australian scientists, has proven highly effective in preventing infection and related diseases. The vaccine has had a significant impact in Australia and globally, reducing genital warts and cervical precancerous cases. It also protects against other HPV-related cancers, such as anal and head and neck cancers. Professor Julia Brotherton highlights the importance of the vaccine in preventing cancer, its efficacy and successful implementation worldwide.

Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information

For more episodes of Matter of Vax, visit https://www.ifa.org.au/matterofvax

Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate with 25 years’ experience in strategic 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. 

Listen to Matter of Vax on Apple. 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.