MatterofVax: Recent Episodes
MatterofVax
In this series, we pose questions from patients, caregivers and community members to GPs and medical and health experts and share their responses. We also explore new developments and vaccine related topics for COVID-19 and other preventable diseases. MatterofVax is brought to you by www.ghlf.org.au
Catherine Hughes, a passionate immunisation advocate, recounts her personal story of loss and her mission to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. After losing her son, Riley, to whooping cough in 2015, Catherine's immunisation advocacy has led to the establishment of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia and an inspiring impact on immunisation in Australia that continues to save lives today. With insightful discussions on whooping cough and the benefits of greater access to immunisation, this episode highlights the crucial role of personal stories in public health and the relentless fight against misinformation.
Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information
Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lily, a young woman in her early twenties and a student pursuing her second degree, recounts her harrowing experience in 2017 when she became critically ill with meningococcal disease. She discusses the initial symptoms, the rapid escalation of her condition, and her journey through intensive care and subsequent dialysis. The story highlights the importance of vaccinations and raises awareness about organ donation, emphasizing the need for families to have crucial conversations about their wishes. Despite the ordeal, Lily’s resilience shines through, and her advocacy work continues to impact many lives. And it's personal for host, as Lily's mother is host Steph O'Connell.
Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information
Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Gary Grohmann is former Director of Immunobiology and World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Regulatory Laboratories at the Therapeutic Goods Administration. He currently works as an independent consultant, primarily with WHO on influenza related projects in the Global Influenza Programme and the Essential Medicines Programme. Dr. Grohmann has served on several WHO steering committees. His primary interests are in vaccines, vaccine regulation, medical and veterinary virology, and infectious diseases resulting from contaminated food and water as well as other environmental sources.
In this episode, Dr. Grohmann delves into the origins and spread of Mpox, from its discovery in 1970 to its current status as an endemic virus in several African countries. He highlights the recent global outbreak, attributed to new and dangerous strains of the virus, and details the symptoms and transmission of Mpox. Gary also discusses the importance of distinguishing Mpox from other illnesses and the populations most at risk. Furthermore, he outlines the current vaccination strategies and the availability of vaccines, emphasizing the significance of consulting healthcare providers for vaccination recommendations.
Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information
Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nicholas Wood is a General Paediatrician, Senior Staff Specialist and Associate Director, Clinical Research and Services at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), where he heads the Clinical Research, AusVaxSafety and Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) programs. Nick is a Professor in the Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health at the University of Sydney. He leads the NSW Immunisation Specialist Service. He is a senior investigator on the Primary Health Network Immunisation Support Program. Nick is interested in maternal and neonatal immunisation, as well as research into vaccine safety, including genetics and long-term outcomes of adverse events following immunisation
In this episode, Professor Wood delves into the comprehensive journey of vaccine development, from initial stages of identifying the target virus or bacteria to extensive pre-clinical and clinical trials. He explains the approval process through regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and the importance of post-market safety monitoring systems. The discussion also addresses public concerns, including vaccine hesitancy and vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the robust safety measures in place to ensure public health.
Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information
Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Christopher Blyth has nearly two decades experience in clinical paediatric and infectious diseases research. He is a clinical academic, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and Director of Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases; Telethon Kids Institute [TKI]). He is Professor of Paediatrics with the School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, a Paediatric Infectious Diseases Physician at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH). Professor Blyth was appointed as a member of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) in 2012, serving until December 2021 and has been instrumental in a number of significant changes in national immunisation policy. In this episode, we delve into the re-emergence of measles in Australia, exploring its symptoms, spread, and the critical importance of vaccination. Professor Blyth provides insightful explanations on the high transmissibility of measles, the effectiveness of the measles vaccine, and common myths surrounding it. We also discuss the current challenges in keeping vaccination rates high, particularly in the face of public health disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine hesitancy.
Visit Immunisation Foundation of Australia for more information
Host Steph O'Connell is a public health advocate who became a public voice for public awareness about preventable diseases and access to vaccines when her daughter, Lily, narrowly survived meningococcal W strain in 2017. Nine months later her sister, Grace, donated a kidney to help restore Lily’s life. Steph’s advocacy became a collaboration in 2018 with Meningococcal Australia and resulted in Meningococcal vaccination campaigns thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health. Lily’s story quickly resonated with audiences and became a national and international appeal for action. Today Steph continues to advocate through her series Matter of Vax, as she takes a look at topical issues affecting Australian immunisation on video and podcast. The series is available thanks to a collaboration with Immunisation Foundation of Australia and educational grant from GSK Australia. Matter of Vax is produced by Ampel at Myrtle & Pine Studios.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of 'Matter of Vax' Professor Tom Snelling, Director of Health and Clinical Analytics in the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney, and an infectious diseases physician at the Sydney Children's Hospital Network. They discuss the resurgence of whooping cough (pertussis), its causes, symptoms, and the importance of immunisation. The episode emphasises the significance of vaccinations, particularly during pregnancy, and booster doses for both children and adults to prevent severe cases of whooping cough.
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, Steph O'Connell discusses the highly infectious Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with Dr. Nusrat Hamera, a pediatric respiratory epidemiologist. They explore how RSV predominantly impacts children under two, leading to severe conditions in infants and posing risks to the elderly. The discussion highlights the distinctions between RSV and influenza, the burden on healthcare systems, and the recent advancements in preventative measures, including new vaccines and monoclonal antibodies aimed at reducing RSV-related hospitalisations.
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, host Steph O'Connell discusses the critical issue of hepatitis with public health professional Nafisa Yousef. They delve into the causes, modes of transmission, and prevention of various types of hepatitis, particularly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The discussion highlights the significant impact hepatitis has on communities, especially in Australia, and emphasizes the importance of awareness, testing, vaccination, and culturally appropriate community engagement. Nafisa also shares insights on addressing stigma and the need for more resources to support hepatitis prevention and care.
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.
Matter of Vax - Pregnancy and Vaccines with Dr. Michelle Giles
In this episode, host Steph O'Connell talks with Dr. Michelle Giles, an infectious diseases expert specializing in pregnancy. They discuss the ins and outs of vaccines before, during, and after pregnancy, including
- Pre-pregnancy health checks: Making sure you're protected against chickenpox and rubella
- Important vaccines during pregnancy: Flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19
- How vaccines given to mom protect newborns
- Finding trustworthy pregnancy health information
- Upcoming vaccines that might help future parents and babies
Dr. Giles explains how to keep both mother and baby healthy through smart vaccine choices and staying informed about new developments in pregnancy vaccines. This episode is a must-listen for anyone planning a pregnancy, expecting, or caring for a newborn. It's packed with practical advice on using vaccines to protect maternal and infant health.
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.
Travel can expose you to new health risks and knowing what those risks are and how to prevent them could be the difference between a good holiday or bad and in some case, between life and death.
Dr Deb Mills has a passion for medicine and travel. She is the medical director of Dr Deb THE Travel Doctor, and has been working in travel medicine for over 25 years. She is one of the pioneers of Travel Medicine in Australia. She is a researcher and author of Travelling Well a must have guide enjoying good health while you travel.
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 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.
In this episode of Matter of Vax Podcast, host Steph O'Connell interviews Professor Robert Booy about pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases. Pneumococcal and meningococcal are caused by a bacterium that can quickly lead to serious disease including pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. Vaccination is critical for prevention.
Professor Booy emphasizes the importance of implementing routine vaccination for all at-risk individuals to effectively combat these dangerous diseases.
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 podcast episode of Matter of Vax, Professor Christopher Blyth joins host Stephanie O'Connell to discuss influenza and its impact on public health. He highlights the significant decrease in influenza cases and deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic due to preventive measures such as vaccinations, travel restrictions, quarantine, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing.
Professor Blyth predicts a significant flu season in 2023 as restrictions ease and people return to normal activities, and he explains why the influenza vaccine needs to be administered annually due to the virus's continuous evolution.
Professor Blyth emphasizes the importance of staying home when unwell, practicing good cough etiquette, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and considering mask-wearing in crowded places to reduce the transmission of various respiratory viruses. He encourages for us to stay updated with vaccines and to follow preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities.
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.
In this episode of MatterofVax, we’re joined by Assoc. Professor Dr Anthony Byrne, a Thoracic Physician at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney and a researcher with the University of New South Wales, to talk about the long-term effects of COVID-19.
MatterofVax is brought to you by ghlf.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of MatterofVax, we’re joined by Dr Sasha Richardson, ICU intensivist at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, to talk about the relentless demand for beds in ICU due to COVID-19. The last wave of the pandemic led to the deaths of over 800 people in Victoria. We ask: What’s different this year? MatterofVax is brought to you by ghlf.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode we talk to Renza Scibilia. A diabetes advocate, international speaker and media spokesperson for most of her life. We chat about how Health organisation's navigate putting out information on how to co-exist with COVID. How can patients navigate the maze of messaging and overcome the uncertainty that is leading, in some cases, to a lack of confidence in vaccination and the health system? MatterofVax is brought to you by ghlf.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Then there were three. We start with the tough questions about COVID vaccines on everyone’s lips then ask; “should we have a choice of vaccine ?” We broach the new subject of booster shots for immune compromised patients. Is that a priority for Australia now FDA has approved in the US? With flu season here, meningococcal season next, is Australia keeping pace with vaccine schedules ? What impact could the COVID-19 vaccination story have on vaccine uptake and is that something we all need to be thinking about now ? We talk to top immunisation expert, Professor Robert Booy and take the questions of GHLF patients on this topical subject. MatterofVax is brought to you by ghlf.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s easy enough to find yourself at risk in a pandemic. For so many patients, caregivers, family and friends, managing that risk is already a way of life. But with COVID-19 the risk has amplified and begs the question about life in future for patients and those at higher risk.
We talk to Professor Greg Dore, an Infectious Diseases Physician, at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia, to find out who is at risk and learn why we all need to understand and manage it.
MatterofVax is brought to you thanks to ghlf.org.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.