Bethesda, MD (July 16, 2024)—With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the US this summer, and new vaccine recommendations to help prevent respiratory diseases, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) offers spokespersons and other resources to help increase awareness about respiratory disease prevention.
In the latest episode of the NFID series, Contagious Chronicles, NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD and NFID spokesperson William Schaffner, MD, discuss updated recommendations to help protect against COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease, in preparation for the upcoming fall and winter.
“Everyone 6 months of age and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine if not already vaccinated,” Hopkins said. “And everyone age 6 months and older will need updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall. Pregnant women and those at high risk may also need RSV vaccination. If you are older or have medical conditions, you may need pneumococcal vaccination.”
Hopkins also moderated a recent NFID webinar, Updates from June 2024 Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) Meeting, now available on demand, which featured Schaffner and Jessica R. MacNeil, MPH, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), addressing the latest immunization policy updates, including new vaccine recommendations for respiratory diseases and other diseases.
Vaccination helps protect against serious disease outcomes, including hospitalization and death.
About the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and engaging the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. NFID has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and has earned a Platinum transparency seal from Candid/GuideStar. For more information, visit www.nfid.org.
Contact: Diana Olson, dolson@nfid.org
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