The Double Helix
Message From Headquarters
For the first time ever, vaccines and preventive monoclonal antibodies are available to help protect against 3 major respiratory viruses: influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Despite that good news, data from a new National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) survey of US adults found that fewer than 1 in 4 US adults are concerned about getting infected with these viruses, and 43% do not plan to, or are unsure if they will get vaccinated against flu. Only 40% plan to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, and only 40% of adults age 60 years and older plan to get vaccinated against RSV.

At the 2023 NFID Annual News Conference, experts from NFID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urged everyone age 6 months and older to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. Those most at risk for severe disease should discuss RSV prevention tools and pneumococcal vaccination with a healthcare professional. Panelists included: CDC Director Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH; Keith C. Ferdinand, MD, Professor of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine; NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD; William Schaffner, MD, NFID spokesperson; Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, NFID President (Moderator); and Vivien G. Dugan, PhD, CDC Influenza Division Director, as an additional expert.

The news conference rounded out a busy schedule of raising awareness about disease prevention. In August 2023, more than 20 partner organizations joined NFID and CDC for a virtual roundtable to align on messaging for the 2023-2024 season, and on September 8, 2023, the NFID Flu Bugs helped kicked off flu awareness activities at the 9th Annual Flu Awareness Night at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Looking ahead to October, NFID will host an annual flu vaccine clinic (10/4), and will co-sponsor a webinar (10/11) with the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project (CVEEP) on Examining the Vaccines for Children Program and its role in Providing Kids COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage.

Throughout the 2023-2024 respiratory season, NFID and partner organizations will share tools and resources to educate both the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of preventing flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease. New NFID resources include animated videos, What is a Monoclonal Antibody? and Are You That Person? which focuses on flu prevention, as well as an on-demand webinar on Updates in RSV Prevention. We invite you to share these resources widely.

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 vaccination photos. Download an NFID paddle for the photo and be sure to tag @NFIDvaccines in social posts.

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 NFID partners, stakeholders, and donors. On behalf of NFID, thank you for your continued support!

Marla Dalton, PE, CAE
NFID Executive Director and CEO
Register now to join NFID on November 15-17, 2023, for the always popular online Clinical Vaccinology Course (CVC). Led by expert speakers, the content focuses on new developments and issues related to the use of vaccines, including the latest CDC recommendations and practical strategies for ensuring timely immunization. Attendees will gain the knowledge and strategies needed to improve vaccination rates in practice and help overcome vaccine hesitancy. View the detailed agenda for a complete list of topics.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF NFID AT THE
OSCARS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The stars of public health gathered for the NFID 50th Anniversary Gala on September 14, 2023, in Washington, DC, for an elegant black-tie event that included more than 20 past NFID awardees and several prior directors of CDC. Whether or not you were able to attend, you can now enjoy photo/video highlights, including remarks by Anthony S. Fauci, MD, recipient of the 1989 NFID Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement, and William Schaffner, MD, who was honored for his decades of service to NFID as a past president, medical director, and current NFID spokesperson.

NFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, debuted a video highlighting the remarkable 50-year history of NFID, and NFID President Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, announced the formation of the new NFID 1973 Giving Society, a special group within NFID that honors dedicated supporters who have generously committed to a donation of $3,000 or more. By joining the society, donors play a vital role in enabling NFID to educate and engage the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases throughout the lifespan.

Become a founding member by making a donation or pledge today
Relive NFID History

Read about the history of NFID in the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book celebrating 50 years of education, prevention, and impact. The book traces the history of NFID with a timeline, photos, and insights from leading figures in public health.

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 prevention and treatment.

Recent guests include:

Be sure to listen and subscribe and if you enjoy, please rate and submit a review!
As part of the NFID 50th anniversary celebration, we are looking back at significant moments in public health history, including this post on the founding of NFID: Celebrating 50 Years of Education, Prevention, and Impact.

Other recent NFID blog posts include:
Partner Spotlight

Not “Just” Flu! toolkit from Vaccinate Your Family includes social media graphics and other tools that partners can use to raise awareness that everyone is at risk from influenza (flu)—even healthy children and adults
NFID joined the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit for a workshop on Operationalizing Adult Immunizations in the 2023 Season and Beyond, which resulted in deliverables including a decision-making guide for adults age 60 years and older, a guide for healthcare professionals to assist with discussing respiratory vaccines with adult patients, and a 1-year vaccination action plan
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has published Understanding the Updated Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations and Guidance to help healthcare professionals increase vaccination rates, including tools and suggestions for electronic health record alerts, standing orders, and scheduling follow-up visits
NFID Leaders in the News
Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, joined NFID in July 2023 as the new medical director, succeeding William Schaffner, MD, who will continue to serve as an NFID spokesperson. As medical director, Hopkins will focus on the growth of NFID programs, including efforts to build vaccine confidence, address health equity issues, increase awareness of disease prevention and treatment, and strengthen NFID partner collaborations. He will serve as NFID chief medical spokesperson and will represent NFID as liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
'Bugs Are Nasty' Tote Bags

Custom-designed tote bags encourage people to get vaccinated. With each tote bag purchase made in October 2023, NFID will receive a donation from the artist. Get your tote bag today and show your support of NFID in style!
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of NFID, learn how you can help support our important work at www.nfid.org/support
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