COVID-19 has had an impact on all of us, both personally and professionally—including the focus of the Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research, which the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has hosted for more than 25 years. During the 2022 online conference next month, leading experts will explore the future of vaccinology research, addressing scientific challenges as well as the global threat of vaccine hesitancy. I hope to 'see' many of you there.

COVID-19 experiences have taught us much about developing more effective vaccines, and some of these lessons may apply to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each year in the US, RSV causes an estimated 58,000 hospitalizations among young children, and 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths among adults age 65+. As concerning as these statistics are, the actual burden is likely even higher due to underreporting of RSV infections. To address the underappreciated public health threat of RSV, NFID held a virtual multidisciplinary roundtable to inform the publication of a new Call to Action: Reducing the Burden of RSV across the Lifespan.

There are compelling reasons to prioritize RSV, with new innovations—including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antiviral treatments—in various stages of clinical development. NFID is partnering with Citeline Connect to educate the public about the research process and help eligible individuals find locally recruiting clinical trials, including trials of RSV vaccines for children and older adults.

NFID activities during American Heart Month emphasized the importance of vaccination as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, and during Black History Month, NFID shared tools and resources to address vaccination gaps among communities of color. As routine vaccination rates have declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, NFID continues to educate the public and healthcare professionals about vaccine coadministration—a safe and convenient way for individuals of all ages stay up to date on all recommended vaccines.

The important work of NFID would not be possible without the support of our partners, stakeholders, and donors. On behalf of NFID, thank you for your ongoing support.

Trailblazing women in vaccinology and other leading experts will discuss lessons learned from COVID-19 and explore the new "normal" for vaccinology research at the 2022 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research, hosted by NFID as an online event on April 11-12, 2022. Space is limited so register now to join colleagues for sessions including:

View the complete Program Agenda



Visit www.nfid.org/webinars to view the complete list of webinars available

NFID mourns the loss of Paul E. Farmer, MD, PhD, the 2006 recipient of the NFID Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Humanitarian Award. A physician-anthropologist, Dr. Farmer dedicated his life to some of the world's poorest populations. He was a founding director of Partners in Health, a nonprofit organization working to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair.