'One Strong Voice' for Disease Prevention |
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Message From Headquarters |
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When the COVID-19 pandemic first began in 2020, none of imagined that nearly two years later, we would still be facing the emergence of yet another threatening variant, coping with a new surge in cases and deaths, and continuing our tireless work to build vaccine confidence. Yet, amid all the challenges, collaboration has made us stronger. On behalf of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our partners who joined us to speak ‘with one strong voice’ in support of science-based prevention measures. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, NFID has educated thousands of healthcare professionals and reached millions of others to promote recommended vaccinations across the lifespan.
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NFID kicked off influenza (flu) season in early October with the 2021 Influenza/Pneumococcal Disease News Conference featuring keynote speaker Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Moderated by NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, the panel included Laura E. Riley, MD, of Weill Cornell Medicine; Cedric “Jamie” Rutland, MD, of West Coast Lung; and NFID President-Elect Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP.
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The news conference highlighted new NFID survey results of US adults that underscored the importance of getting an annual flu vaccine and staying up to date on pneumococcal vaccination as recommended. Leading By Example partner organizations and US Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra joined staff for a flu vaccine clinic at NFID headquarters and shared their thoughts about the importance of getting vaccinated to help #FightFlu. On World Pneumonia Day, NFID also worked with partner organizations to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination to help #PreventPnuemo.
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Building on a core value of collaboration, January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and NFID will join Salud America! on January 4, 2022, for a #SaludTues Twitter chat about HPV prevention. Also in 2022, NFID will launch a new initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the burden of RSV among both pediatric and adult populations. |
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We have accomplished much, but we there is still so much more to do, and we cannot do it alone. The important work of NFID would not be possible without the support of NFID partners, stakeholders, and donors. The newly released NFID FY 2021 Annual Report features highlights of recent accomplishments. 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. |
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Wishing you all the gift of health this holiday season and a safe and happy new year,
Marla Dalton, CAE
NFID Executive Director & CEO
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Access Anywhere, Any Time (until January 31, 2022)
The on-demand 2021 NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course features expert speakers discussing new developments and issues related to the use of vaccines, including updated recommendations for vaccinations across the lifespan and practical strategies for ensuring timely and appropriate immunization.
Access Presentations for:
- Up to 13.5 continuing education credits (CME, CNE)
- Tactics to improve conversations with vaccine-hesitant patients and/or parents
- Strategies for preventing flu and other vaccine-preventable diseases
- Current US immunization recommendations and best practices for improving vaccination coverage
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An Evening to Remember:
2021 NFID Awards Gala & Silent Auction
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NFID honored three distinguished public health heroes virtually on December 13, 2021, at the 2021 NFID Awards Gala & Silent Auction. Honorees, whose impactful work helped contribute to the global eradication of two out of three types of wild polio virus, included:
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Anita K.M. Zaidi, MBBS, SM, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award
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William A. Petri, Jr. MD, PhD, Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement
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Walter A. Orenstein, MD, John P. Utz Leadership Award
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The signature fundraising event ended with a musical medley of rock and roll classics featuring public health lyrics by the dynamic duo of Ethan Schaffner (son of NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD) and Elisabeth King of Songband. Following the awards program, NFID hosted a VIP Special Event featuring an engaging conversation with the awardees.
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View tribute videos and read interviews with the 2021awardees and consider making an online donation in honor of the inspiring awardees. All donations directly support NFID, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the burden, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan.
Stay tuned for information about 2022 NFID Awards nominations coming soon!
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NFID is a proud partner of the American Hospital Association United Against the Flu campaign, including resources to encourage communities to stay healthy and protect themselves against flu and COVID-19. Materials include digital and social media assets with messaging that can be used to promote COVID-19 booster shots and flu vaccinations.
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As part of the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Program, the CDC Foundation has developed a Vaccine Resource Hub to support individuals and organizations working to increase adult immunization, especially in communities experiencing racial and ethnic disparities. The site provides diverse and culturally relevant materials to educate the public about COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.
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Stay up-to-date on NFID activities by following the NFID Blog. Top recent posts include:
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Closing the Gaps on Flu Vaccination for Adults with Chronic Health Conditions
During National Influenza Vaccination Week, NFID urges everyone age 6 months and older to get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine, especially adults whose chronic health conditions put them at higher risk. Read More ...
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Thank You for Appropriately Using Antibiotics
Special thanks to NFID Director S. Shaefer Spires, MD, for the guest blog post during US Antibiotic Awareness Week, an annual observance to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. Read More ...
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Debunking 5 Common Health Myths
The prevalence of medical misinformation online is making it harder than ever for young people to tell the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to protecting their own health. To help equip them with reliable information, NFID and DoSomething.org launched a campaign, Complete What’s Missing. Read More ...
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Two recipients of the NFID Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Humanitarian Award have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. A pioneer in malaria research who has devoted his life to public service and scientific research, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, received the NFID award in 2011. Anita K.M. Zaidi, MBBS, SM, was the 2021 awardee in recognition of her dedication to vaccine development and disease prevention in the poorest parts of the world.
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In Memoriam
NFID mourns the loss of General Colin L. Powell, the 2nd recipient of the NFID Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Humanitarian Award in 1988, who died from complications of COVID-19. A soldier and diplomat, General Powell was the youngest person to serve as chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff and was the first Black man to serve as US Secretary of State. NFID recognized General Powell for his years of charitable work in helping young people get a better start in life. |
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On-Demand NFID Webinars
NFID offers complimentary webinars to help expand knowledge of vaccine recommendations and best practices around communication and implementation. Recent topics include:
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CDC Seeking Candidates to Lead Influenza Division
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently recruiting candidates for Director of the Influenza Division in the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). The Influenza Division oversees a broad international and domestic portfolio of world-renowned work of seasonal and novel influenza virology, vaccinology, surveillance, epidemiology, modeling/forecasting, vaccine policy, and vaccine effectiveness. The Division has more than 150 full-time employees, 100 contractors, and an annual appropriated budget of over $150M.
For additional information and instructions on how to apply visit: USAJOBS.
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Support NFID
Through the support of its many donors, NFID continues to work towards our vision of healthier lives through the 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! To learn how you can support NFID, visit www.nfid.org/donate.
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