Experts to Explore Advances in RSV, COVID-19, and Flu Prevention and Treatment

Bethesda, MD (June 1, 2023)—Leading experts in vaccinology research will explore the latest scientific advances in the prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, influenza (flu), and other infectious diseases at the Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research hosted by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) as an online event on June 5-7, 2023.

“This is an exciting time in vaccinology, as decades of scientific research are now paying off in the form of breakthrough innovations in disease prevention and treatment,” said NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD.

The conference program will include symposia on Advances in COVID-19 and Influenza Prevention and Treatment and Challenges and Breakthroughs in RSV Prevention.

Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and microbiology, biochemistry, and immunology at Morehouse School of Medicine, whose work in viral pathogenesis and vaccine development culminated in the foundational discovery leading to safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines worldwide, will present the Mary Lou Clements-Mann Memorial Lecture in Vaccine Sciences as the opening keynote.

NFID Vice President Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, will moderate the inspiring Women Leaders in Vaccinology Panel Discussion featuring trailblazing women sharing personal anecdotes and lessons learned throughout their careers, including:

• Donna M. Ambrosino, MD, managing member, Ambrosino Biotech Consulting
• Maria E. Bottazzi, PhD, senior associate dean and professor, Baylor College of Medicine
• NFID Director Julie Morita, MD, executive vice president, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH, director, Immunization Services Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Bruce G. Gellin, MD, MPH, of the Rockefeller Foundation, will moderate the closing session on The Next 50 Years in Vaccinology—Looking Back and Moving Forward with the following panelists:

• Galit Alter, PhD, vice president of immunology research, Moderna
• Alejandro Cravioto, MD, PhD, professor, faculty of medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico
• Philip R. Dormitzer, MD, PhD, senior vice president and global head vaccines research and development, GSK
• Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, professor of pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

An oral abstract session on Exploring Behavioral Science and Vaccine Outcomes will feature new research findings on RSV and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, and a session on Evaluating New and Emerging Vaccines will include research on new vaccines for herpes zoster (shingles) and Shigella bacteria, as well as strategies for improving enrollment and representation in clinical trials for vaccine-preventable diseases.

About the Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research

Sponsored by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) for more than 25 years, the Annual Conference for Vaccinology Research is a well-established forum for the exchange of the latest scientific and clinical research in vaccinology between healthcare professionals, trainees and young investigators, government officials, and representatives from academia and industry. The 2023 conference will be held online on June 5-7, 2023.

Visit www.nfid.org/acvr for additional information.

Contact: Diana Olson, dolson@nfid.org