Message From Headquarters |
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As 2022 comes to a close, we encourage you to take a moment to join us and reflect on all that the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has accomplished during the past year, with the help of our many donors and partners. On behalf of NFID, thank you for your ongoing support.
We have accomplished much, but there is still so much more to do, and we cannot do it alone. The US is experiencing a robust influenza (flu) season, along with increased cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Vulnerable populations remain unprotected, health disparities persist, and routine vaccination rates have declined across age groups. Although the challenges have been great, together with our partners, NFID has risen to the challenge to help build vaccine confidence, increase immunization rates, and raise awareness about the burden of infectious diseases across the lifespan.
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Together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NFID kicked off flu season in October with the 2022 Influenza/ Pneumococcal Disease News Conference which also highlighted the results of a new national NFID survey. The survey found that only 49% of US adults planned to get a flu vaccine during the 2022-2023 flu season. Of concern, nearly 1 in 5 individuals (22%) who are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications reported that they were not planning to get vaccinated, including older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
During National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) and throughout the respiratory season, NFID and our partners have led by example to raise awareness about the urgency of annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older. NFID blog posts have included perspectives by CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, on disparities in flu vaccination rates and José R. Romero, MD, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, reminding everyone that it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. Be on the lookout for “It’s Not Too Late” bus ads in DC and NYC in early January.
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The recently published NFID FY22 Annual Report highlights our many accomplishments. With your support, we have reached millions through education, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with partners reflecting the diversity of populations impacted by infectious diseases. As we approach the 50 th anniversary of NFID in 2023, we celebrate our collective achievements, offer a heartfelt thank you to all of our partners, and look forward to continuing to speak ‘with one strong voice’ in support of evidence-based prevention and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan. We are extremely grateful to those who have donated to NFID. And if you have not yet made a contribution this year, please consider a year-end online gift at www.nfid.org/donate.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season,
Marla Dalton, CAE
NFID Executive Director & CEO
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Celebrating Public Health Heroes |
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On December 8, 2022, the stars of the infectious disease community gathered in person again to honor three outstanding public health heroes, at the 2022 NFID Awards Gala & Silent Auction in Washington, DC. NFID President Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, presented the 2022 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award to Katherine L. O’Brien, MD, MPH, of the World Health Organization, the 2022 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement to Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD, of Morehouse School of Medicine, and the 2022 John P. Utz Leadership Award to Bruce G. Gellin, MD, MPH, of The Rockefeller Foundation. Widely known as the ‘Oscars of Infectious Diseases,’ the elegant event recognized the remarkable accomplishments of three inspiring leaders who have dedicated their careers to improving public health globally. View highlights of the evening.
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Communicating about Vaccines: This free online module from the Vaccine Education Center of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia explores communication practices for COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases. |
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The #NoJudgment toolkit offers resources and tools to help de-escalate the often-polarized conversations that are taking place around COVID-19 vaccines among young people. The toolkit was built by IDEO.org in collaboration with the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants.
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Other recent NFID blog posts include:
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Join NFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton and NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, for the Infectious IDeas podcast featuring thought-provoking conversations that lead to ... infectious ideas. Guests include humble heroes and future leaders working together towards a shared vision of healthier lives through effective prevention and treatment. Recent guests include:
- Anthony S. Fauci, MD
- Paul A. Offit, MD
- Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH
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NFID mourns the loss of Samuel L. Katz, MD, an innovative scientist whose work on the development and promotion of a measles vaccine revolutionized the health of children and reduced childhood mortality around the world. Katz’s notable work also included research on vaccines against smallpox, polio, influenza, rubella, Haemophilus influenzae b, and HIV. A passionate immunization ambassador, he recognized that educating and advocating for widespread vaccination are essential to disease eradication efforts. NFID honored him with the 2015 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement and the 2017 Dr. Charles Mérieux Award for Achievement in Vaccinology and Immunology.
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Thank you to all who have given so generously this year. NFID continues to work towards our vision of healthier lives for all through the effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. To learn how you can help support NFID, visit www.nfid.org/donate
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