Debunking 5 Common Health Myths
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of public health, the prevalence of medical misinformation online is making it harder than ever for young people to tell the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to protecting their own health. To help equip them with reliable information, NFID and DoSomething.org launched a new campaign, Complete What’s Missing, which aims to educate young people about meningococcal disease and the importance of prevention through vaccination. Special thanks to DeNora Getachew, chief executive officer of DoSomething.org, for the guest blog post on the importance of being fully informed about ways to spot medical misinformation …
Schaffner Report: Who Needs a COVID-19 Booster Dose?
With cases of COVID-19 on the rise and the Delta variant surging, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends COVID-19 booster shots for certain populations. In this episode of the Schaffner Report, Marla Dalton, NFID Executive Director and CEO, talks with NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, about the updated CDC guidance …
Why Vaccinations Are Vital for Older Adults
In recognition of Healthy Aging Month, NFID and the Alliance for Aging Research (AAR)—a proud supporter of the Keep Up The Rates campaign—encourage all older adults to stay up to date on recommended vaccines and speak with their loved ones about the importance of getting vaccinated …
ID News Round-Up: COVID-19 Vaccines for Pregnant and Immunocompromised Individuals
Read recent news of interest from the world of infectious diseases, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and additional doses for those who are immunocompromised …
A Safer Way to Reopen: Focusing on Workplace Testing for COVID-19
Even with the availability of new vaccines, COVID-19 remains a threat. With one in four US adults not planning to get vaccinated and new variants emerging, epidemiologists are predicting another wave of COVID-19 this fall. Special thanks to Steven Phillips of the COVID Collaborative for this guest blog post on the use of rapid testing to help stop the spread of COVID-19 …
Schaffner Report: Are We on Track to End the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Although the US may have fallen short of the ambitious goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the population by July 4, 2021, those states and communities with high vaccination rates are seeing declines in cases and deaths due to COVID-19. Are we nearing the end of the pandemic, or does the Delta variant threaten the progress made thus far? In this episode of the Schaffner Report, NFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton talks with NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, about current issues regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic …
ID News Round-Up: #COVID-19 Vaccination Risks and Benefits
As COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue across the US, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other public health experts continue to evaluate the risks and benefits of the new vaccines. Read recent news of interest from the world of infectious diseases, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines and associated heart inflammation …
The Father’s Day Gift That Keeps on Giving
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on many families, but thanks to vaccination, that burden is now lifting for many. Father’s Day is a perfect time to celebrate dads everywhere and reflect on their role in our lives. NFID leaders share their Father’s Day thoughts and wishes …
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 …
