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.

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.