MESSAGE FROM HEADQUARTERS |
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As we bid farewell to 2023, which marked the 50th anniversary of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), we are filled with pride and gratitude to all who contributed to our collective achievements and shared successes. The NFID 2023 Impact Report highlights our many accomplishments, and although we have much to be proud of, there is still work to be done.
NFID and partners continue Leading by Example in raising awareness about the urgency of annual influenza (flu) vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older. During National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), shared messaging emphasized that as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. In collaboration with the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and American Diabetes Association, NFID stressed that flu is more than an inconvenience—it can lead to hospitalization, worsening of chronic medical conditions, and even death.
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Continuing our efforts to address disparities in vaccination rates and health outcomes, NFID released a new public service announcement video, Are You That Person? (in English and Spanish), that focuses on flu symptoms, prevention, and treatment, reminding viewers to get vaccinated each year and stay home when sick. Look for it during the holiday season in select movie theaters in communities experiencing high flu activity.
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The lessons learned and partnerships forged in our first 50 years position NFID for even greater success in the future. We are grateful to those who have donated to NFID and if you have not yet made a gift to NFID this year, please consider making an online year-end gift before December 31, 2023 at www.nfid.org/donate.
As we begin the new year, thank you for your dedication to the NFID vision of healthier lives for all through effective disease prevention and treatment. Working together, we can make a lasting impact on public health.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous New Year,
Marla Dalton, PE, CAE
NFID Executive Director and CEO
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Which NFID logo is your favorite?
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CELEBRATING PUBLIC HEALTH HEROES |
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Recognize a public health hero by nominating them for a prestigious NFID award. The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award honors individuals whose outstanding humanitarian efforts and achievements have contributed significantly to improving global public health through domestic and/or international activities.
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Nomination deadline is February 20, 2024 |
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The popular NFID 2023 Clinical Vaccinology Course is now available as an enduring activity online until January 31, 2024. Content focuses on current vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and tools and strategies to improve immunization rates across the lifespan and help protect public health.
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Improving HPV Immunization among US Adults: Online activity hosted by ReachMD addresses current CDC recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in US adults, and communication strategies to help identify and discuss the benefits of HPV vaccination with adults most likely to benefit. Learn More
Save the Date for NFID Webinar:
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The NFID podcast, Infectious IDeas, features thought-provoking conversations with humble heroes and leaders, working together towards a shared vision of healthier lives for all through effective disease prevention and treatment.
Recent guests include:
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NFID BLOG: THOUGHT-LEADER PERSPECTIVES |
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The time to deal with vaccine misinformation is immediately, and the way to deal with it is through building connections and expressing empathy. Thanks to Karen Ernst of Voices for Vaccines for this guest blog post on Talking about Vaccines without Ruining the Holidays.
Other recent posts include:
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CDC Communications Toolkit (in English and Spanish) to raise awareness about the Bridge Access Program, which helps provide free COVID-19 vaccines to adults who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the full cost of vaccines
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Flu Vaccine & Pregnancy Social Media Toolkit f rom the Society for Women's Health Research includes social media graphics and other tools to help raise awareness about the importance of flu vaccination to protect both pregnant women and their babies
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Autism Society of America's Vaccine Education Initiative provides free resources to help healthcare professionals provide more equitable care, including visual tools and other resources to improve the vaccine experience for autistic individuals and those with disabilities and complex support needs
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NFID mourns the loss of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a long-time vaccine advocate whose outstanding humanitarian efforts contributed significantly to improving global public health. For decades, President and Mrs. Carter worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for people worldwide. Through their work at The Carter Center, they worked to resolve conflict peacefully, promote democracy, protect human rights, and prevent and eradicate disease. In 1997, NFID presented them with the first Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award, an annual award that recognizes humanitarian heroes of public health. As First Lady, Mrs. Carter advocated successfully for laws mandating vaccines for school entry. With Betty Bumpers of Arkansas, she co-founded Every Child By Two, now known as Vaccinate Your Family.
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William Schaffner, MD, NFID spokesperson and former medical director, was recognized as a Healio Honoree for his steadfast commitment to educating healthcare professionals and engaging the public on timely infectious disease topics. Schaffner has earned a reputation as the go-to source for colleagues, media, and the public for clear and accurate information about the constantly evolving field of infectious diseases, from COVID-19 to the latest CDC immunization recommendations. For decades, he has explained vaccine science, answered questions about vaccine side effects, and worked to build vaccine confidence.
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As the NFID 50th anniversary celebration comes to an end, learn how you can help build momentum for the next 50 years at www.nfid.org/support
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