In this episode of Matter of Vax, host Steph O'Connell discusses the critical issue of hepatitis with public health professional Nafisa Yussf. 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 emphasises 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.

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