A new survey commissioned by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) revealed that few US adults intend to get vaccinated against influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or pneumococcal disease this fall and winter. Top reasons cited include concerns about vaccine side effects and a general distrust of vaccines.

To counter those misconceptions and raise awareness about the importance of disease prevention, NFID kicked off the 2024-2025 respiratory season at the 10th Annual Flu Awareness Night with the Washington Nationals and nearly 100 partners in attendance on September 12, 2024 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Despite the loss to the Miami Marlins, the event was a success—reminding all fans age 6 months and older to get an annual flu vaccine.

At the 2024 NFID Annual News Conference on September 25, 2024, experts from NFID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized the importance of vaccination, and strongly recommended that everyone age 6 months and older, including pregnant women, receive an annual flu vaccine and an updated COVID-19 vaccine. NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, shared the recent NFID survey results, and CDC Director Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH, got vaccinated against flu, as did all the panelists and those NFID partners attending in person.

To remind others to protect themselves, their families, and patients from respiratory diseases, and ensure that we speak with one strong voice, NFID compiled partner resources to help build awareness about flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and RSV in a recent blog post, Help Prevent Flu, COVID-19, and RSV This Season.

Throughout the season, NFID will continue to share resources to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of preventing respiratory diseases. As you roll up your sleeves to get vaccinated this fall, please join the NFID Leading by Example initiative to make a public commitment to vaccination and share your photos. Download an NFID paddle for the vaccination photo and be sure to tag @NFIDvaccines in social posts.

Earlier this month, NFID published a Call to Action: Strategies to Improve US Adult Immunization, based on roundtable discussions with a diverse group of stakeholders and experts sharing observations, insights, and best practices for enhancing the uptake of all recommended adult vaccines in the US. The report highlights key outcomes from the discussions on the current state of adult immunization in the US. Report highlights were featured during a webinar panel discussion during which experts reviewed the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among US adults and recommendations at the healthcare system, provider, patient, and legislative/public policy levels.

NFID remains committed to protecting communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and other infectious disease threats. Our work would not be possible without the continued support of our partners, stakeholders, and donors. On behalf of NFID, thank you all for your continued support!

Marla Dalton, PE, CAE

NFID Executive Director and CEO