Blog
Are Vaccines Safe?
Probably the most dangerous aspect of getting a vaccine is driving to the doctor’s office to get it. Every year, about 30,000 people die in car accidents and even walking outside on a rainy day isn’t entirely safe—every year in the US, about 100 people are killed when struck by lightning. While routine daily activities pose a certain degree of risk, we choose to do them because we consider that the benefits outweigh the risks.
What is the Public Health Preparedness of our Nation?
Another lesson we can draw from vaccination rates: when we become complacent, our preparedness suffers. We can’t let vaccine complacency continue.
5 Ways to Advance Antimicrobial Stewardship in 2017
Significant increases in worldwide antimicrobial resistance has created an urgent need for the appropriate use and management of antibiotic prescribing. During 2017, take these 5 steps to help advance antimicrobial stewardship…
Happy New Year from NFID
As we wrap up 2016, we thank you for your generous donations to NFID that helped support the fight against infectious diseases…
Top 10 Must Read 2016 NFID Blog Posts
As 2016 comes to a close, NFID would like to wish all readers a safe and happy holiday season. As we reflect on the past year, we are pleased to share this recap of the top 10 most read blog posts in 2016…
Experts Answer Questions About Flu
Special thanks to Vaccinate Your Family for co-sponsoring the Flu Facebook Forum during National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), as well as those who took time to ask flu-related questions and the NFID experts (William Schaffner, MD; Walter A. Orenstein, MD; Patricia A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, CIC; Lisa S. Ipp, MD; and Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH) who provided detailed responses.
Threat of H1N1 Virus Makes Flu Shots a Must
CDC estimates that flu vaccine prevented nearly 744,000 illnesses, 320,000 doctor’s visits, and about 8,000 hospitalizations among people age 50 years to 64 years last season. But, if just 5 percent more people in the 50 to 64 age group had been vaccinated last season, CDC estimates that an additional 82,000 illnesses and 900 hospitalizations could have been prevented.
Influenza Vaccines for All Ages
It seems not everyone has gotten the message about influenza vaccines, so once again: everyone age six months and older needs an annual influenza vaccine. We have more than enough vaccine supply and many types of influenza vaccines available. There is at least one, and usually multiple options, available for every one of us. Vaccination is the key to influenza prevention for everyone.
Examining Common Arguments Against Influenza Vaccination
We need to strongly recommend vaccination for all patients. If you don’t give patients the option for other necessary medical interventions, such as taking needed insulin, why do you give them an option with a vaccine?
Increasing Vaccination Rates: What Nurses Can Do
Nurses make up the largest segment of healthcare professionals in the US. With more than 3 million registered nurses nationwide, we have an unrivaled ability to reach patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals with important health messages.