Message From Headquarters |
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2020 has been quite a challenging year. It was only one year ago that news first began to spread about a novel and deadly coronavirus in Wuhan, China. Now, the US is launching an unprecedented national vaccination program to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The mission of NFID has never been more relevant or timely. Through professional education activities, media outreach, frequent updates to the NFID website, and social media posts, we have addressed questions and concerns about COVID-19. NFID leaders have continued to provide important input to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); through the Keep Up The Rates initiative, we have promoted routine immunizations during the pandemic; and we continue to reinforce the importance of face masks and social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
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During National Influenza Vaccination Week, NFID worked with CDC, the National Hispanic Medical Association, Coalition to Stop Flu, and other partners to emphasize the importance of annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older, especially for vulnerable populations such as adults with chronic health conditions and communities of color who are disproportionately impacted by flu and COVID-19.
At the Hep B United Summit in early December, NFID presented a poster featuring the new hepatitis B prevention toolkit to raise awareness about the importance of hepatitis B prevention.
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None of this work would have been possible without the support of NFID partners, stakeholders, and donors, many of whom are on the front lines fighting COVID-19. The newly released FY 2020 NFID Annual Report features highlights of our recent accomplishments. On behalf of NFID, thank you for your tireless work to protect public health, and for your ongoing support of NFID and our efforts to collectively advocate for disease prevention and treatment.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy new year,
Marla Dalton, CAE
NFID Executive Director & CEO
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Celebrating Heroes Of Public Health |
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NFID honored three distinguished public health heroes at the first-ever virtual NFID Awards Gala on December 14, 2020. Penny M. Heaton, MD received the 2020 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in recognition of her distinguished career of developing and enhancing access to lifesaving vaccines throughout the world. Claire V. Broome, MD received the 2020 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement in recognition of her profound influence on global public health and vaccine policy. Richard J. Whitley, MD received the 2020 John P. Utz Leadership Award for his long-standing leadership in clinical virology and his expertise in the use of antiviral therapies to fight infections in children and adults.
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A surprise musical performance by Ethan Schaffner (the son of NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD) and Elisabeth King honored healthcare professionals and frontline workers around the world who are working so hard to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Thanks to all who supported the Gala through donations and participation in the silent auction. A few remaining items including specially curated NFID gift boxes are still available for online purchase. All proceeds directly benefit NFID.
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On-Demand Content Available Until January 15, 2021
On-demand recordings from the virtual 2020 NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course are available to purchase for access through January 15, 2021. Course presentations focus on new developments and the latest recommendations for vaccinations across the lifespan, including COVID-19 vaccine development and safety considerations. View the program overview for a complete list of topics included.
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COVID-19 Update: Vaccination Recommendations & Implementation |
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Join NFID for a complimentary webinar on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET, addressing implementation guidance and frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the United States.
NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, will moderate the discussion with Peter Marks, MD, PhD, Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and Sara E. Oliver, MD, MSPH, Medical Officer, Division of Viral Disease, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Save The Date: ACVR 2021
The 2021 NFID Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research (ACVR) will be held virtually on April 26-27, 2021. Featuring the latest research and thought-provoking lectures from leading global vaccinology experts, ACVR 2021 will include the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccines and will provide opportunities for networking and discussion. Registration will open in February 2021.
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Show your support and join the fight against infectious diseases with NFID face masks and t-shirts!
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Communicating About COVID-19 Vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit to help healthcare professionals build confidence about COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare teams and other staff.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Facts
BIO has launched a new educational website, COVID Vaccine Facts, to address frequent questions about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine development, with a focus on educating both healthcare professionals and the general public. |
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#SpreadCHEER Not COVID
The Pandemic Action Network, along with many partners, are leading the charge to #SpreadCHEER not COVID this season through social media, newsletters, and radio PSAs aired on 800 stations around the US.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Education And Equity
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Building Trust in and Access to a COVID-19 Vaccine
Among People of Color and Tribal Nations
A new policy brief b y Trust for America’s Health, the National Medical Association, and UnidosUS recommends steps government officials can take to earn trust in order to increase vaccine receptivity in communities of color and tribal communities.
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COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has developed a new COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Q&A. The VEC website has answers to more than 70 questions about COVID-19 and vaccines.
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Stay up-to-date on NFID activities by following the blog, NFID News. Recent popular posts include:
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Schaffner Report: Spread Joy, Not Germs This Holiday Season
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health authorities are advising people to stay home, avoid travel, and skip the usual large holiday gatherings and festivities. Read More ...
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COVID-19 Vaccine Safety: Lessons Learned From Influenza
Special thanks to NFID Director Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, Director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, for this guest blog post answering questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety. Read More ...
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Hepatitis B: Are You At Risk?
Globally, the most common risk factor for liver cancer is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approximately 1 in 4 people with chronic HBV infection will develop liver cancer or liver failure. Read More …
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The Dangers of Influenza and COVID-19 in Adults with Chronic Health Conditions
In the US, 6 in 10 adults are living with at least one chronic health condition, and for them, the 2020-2021 influenza season poses an unprecedented dual threat: co-circulation of influenza (flu) and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Read more ...
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NFID Director Julie Morita, MD, of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has been appointed to the Biden-Harris Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will consult with state and local officials to determine the public health and economic steps necessary to stop the spread of the virus, help families, address ongoing racial and ethnic disparities, and reopen schools and businesses safely and effectively. Dr. Morita previously helped lead the Chicago Department of Public Health. A pediatric ID specialist, she has served on the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Community-Based Solutions to Promote Health Equity in the United States.
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Through the support of its many donors, NFID continues to work towards our vision of healthier lives through effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Thank you to all who have given so generously this year. There is still time to make a year-end gift!
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Account Updates Coming Soon
Be on the lookout for an NFID email next month with important information to update your online NFID profile. By providing current information, you can help ensure that you receive relevant NFID communications that best match your interests.
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