Schaffner Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects—Cause or Coincidence?
As COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue across the US, some questions and concerns about potential side effects are also circulating. In addition to the typical sore arm and fatigue, reports have recently surfaced about individuals suffering from various symptoms after getting vaccinated, including ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). But just because one event follows another in time does not necessarily mean it was caused by the event itself. In this episode of the Schaffner Report, Marla Dalton, Executive Director and CEO of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) talks with NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, about the difference between causation and coincidence, and how to distinguish COVID-19 vaccine facts from fiction …
The Last Mile: Overcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
There is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel in the US, thanks to the rapid development and efficient distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. We have plenty of reasons to rejoice, but a lingering and frustrating impediment to attaining nationwide herd immunity persists—continued vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation, especially among particular segments of the US population …
You Don’t Neglect Your Car … Why Neglect Your Health?
June is Men’s Health Month, a national observance to raise awareness about healthcare for men and focus on encouraging boys, men, and their families to take charge of their health by implementing healthy living decisions. In recognition of Men’s Health Month, NFID and Men’s Health Network—a proud supporter of the NFID Keep Up The Rates campaign—encourage all men and boys to stay up to date on recommended vaccines …
Tips for Safe Summer Fun
In the US, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. After a long season of COVID-19, things are finally starting to look brighter as COVID-19 vaccination rates are climbing, and cases, hospitalizations, and deaths due to the virus are now decreasing in the US. We asked NFID leaders for their tips to stay healthy on Memorial Day, and throughout the summer …
The Importance of Vaccination for Women of All Ages
Women’s health is always an important topic, and it is especially top of mind during the month of May, as we celebrate Mother’s Day and National Women’s Health Week. NFID and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) discuss the importance of vaccination for women of all ages, including those that may have been skipped during the COVID-19 pandemic …
The Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with Hepatitis B
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time to increase public awareness about hepatitis B and celebrate the contributions of community organizations working on the frontlines to eliminate viral hepatitis …
Schaffner Report: Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination
On May 12, 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine be used in children age 12-15 years and provided new guidance on co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other recommended vaccines, including influenza. In this episode of the Schaffner Report, NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, talks with NFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton about these important new developments …
Celebrating Mother’s Day in the Time of COVID-19, Again
New vaccines to help prevent COVID-19 have made it possible for many fully vaccinated families to celebrate together in person this Mother’s Day. In 2020, we asked NFID leaders to share their Mother’s Day thoughts, many of which are still relevant today, with some updates …
Closing Vaccination Gaps in Communities of Color
In recognition of National Minority Health Month, NFID and the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF)—a proud supporter of the NFID Keep Up The Rates campaign—encourage all partners to promote vaccination among communities of color across the US …
Schaffner Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Update
Following a thorough safety review, FDA and CDC have determined that the recommended pause regarding the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in the US should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume. In this episode of the Schaffner Report, NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, talks with NFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton about the decision and how it may impact confidence in COVID-19 vaccines …
ID News Round-Up: Vaccinology Research
From COVID-19 to new vaccines for cancer, influenza, and malaria, read recent news of interest from the world of infectious diseases, with a focus on vaccinology research …
Schaffner Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness
Recent news headlines about COVID-19 vaccines have been focused on concerns about safety and effectiveness. Public health authorities in the US and Europe are reviewing reports of a rare blood clotting disorder among some vaccine recipients, as well as rare reports of breakthrough illnesses in fully vaccinated individuals. In this episode of the Schaffner Report, NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, talks with NFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton about the significance of these reports and the implications for COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the US …
