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.  

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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.