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.

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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.