NFID kicked off its Respiratory Season News Briefing Series with a session focused on children and pregnant women – two groups especially vulnerable to influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease. Alongside expert insights, the briefing included firsthand perspectives from families who have faced the realities of respiratory illness–sharing what they have learned to help bring the data and guidance to life.
NFID Medical Director Robert (Bob) H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, moderated a panel discussion with experts including:
- Sean T. O’Leary, MD, MPH, Chair, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases; NFID Director
- Laura E. Riley, MD, Chair, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Immunization, Infectious Disease and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group
- Bruce G. Gellin, MD, MPH, Senior Advisor, Vaccine Integrity Project; Professor of Medicine (Adjunct), Georgetown University School of Medicine; Senior Advisor, Georgetown University Global Health Institute
Special Guests: Michele Stevenson and her son Kaden with Michele Slafkosky, Executive Director, Families Fighting Flu