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T Double Helix Published by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases | Vol. 36, No. 4 | December 2011

NFID Announces Award Recipients

he National Foundation for Infec- of 1992 a Professor of Medicine, division Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH tious Diseases (NFID) announces its of Infectious Diseases, at the University Physician, researcher, Thonorees for the 2012 annual awards of Maryland School of Medicine. He then executive, and global dinner on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, Drs. took a position as professor at the Albany caregiver Dr. Helene D. George L. Drusano and Helene D. Gayle. Medical Center Hospital. Gayle is the 2012 NFID will present the Maxwell Finland Robert C. Moellering, Jr., MD, the recipient of the Jimmy Award for Scientific Achievement to Dr. Shields Warren-Mallinckrodt Professor and Rosalynn Carter Drusano for his distinguished scientific Medical Research at Harvard Medical Humanitarian Award. career in the area of anti-infective pharma- School and the 2006 NFID Maxwell Fin- “Helene Gayle is cology, antimicrobial resistance and infec- land awardee, said that Dr. Drusano “is one perhaps the most tious disease chemotherapy. The Maxwell of the brightests individuals I know. He has trusted global public Finland Award is given to a scientist who an encyclopedic knowledge of medicine health leader and rightly so,” stated David th has made outstanding contributions to and science which he has applied very effec- Satcher, MD, 16 Surgeon General of the the understanding of infectious diseases or tively to create important new knowledge.” United States, Director of the Satcher public health. Health Leadership Institute at the More- “Not only is Dr. Drusano an accom- house School of Medicine, and recipient of Dr. Gayle will be honored with the plished clinician, but he has the gift of the 1999 NFID Jimmy and Rosalynn Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian being able to see patients exposed to Carter Humanitarian Award. “She has a Award for her dedication to global public microbials as more than just single patients, unique ability to understand and identify health and social service. This award rec- or a cohort of patients in aggregate, but to with diverse cultures throughout the world ognizes outstanding humanitarian efforts see them in terms of statistical populations and to join them in moving to improve the and achievements that have improved the with respect to the ways in which pathogens health of communities.” health of humankind. ‘see’ antimicrobials at the site of infection, and how they respond to such exposure,” Dr. Gayle graduated from Barnard Col- George L. Drusano, MD added John S. Bradley, MD, professor and lege in 1976 with a degree in psychology. Dr. George L. Drusano chief of the division of infectious diseases, (AWARD RECIPIENTS, continued on page 6) is a distinguished University of California, San Diego. scholar and scientist Dr. Drusano is the director of clinical who “helped redefine IN THIS ISSUE pharmacology and associate director of the infectious disease clinical research institute at Albany Medical chemotherapy as we College. He is a fellow of both the Infec- NFID Awards Dinner Honorees.....1 know it today. Indeed, tious Diseases Society of America and the few scientists have Influenza and Pneumococcal American Academy of Microbiology. He made as many out- Immunization News Conference.2 also serves as a reviewer for several scien- standing contributions tific journals, including the Journal of the Clinical Vaccinology Course...... 3 to the understanding of infectious disease American Medical Association, the New chemotherapy,” stated Paul G. Ambrose, ADVAC...... 3 England Journal of Medicine and the An- MD president of the Institute of Pharma- nals of Internal Medicine. He has received The 15th Annual Conference codynamics. numerous awards including the Rhone- on Vaccine Research...... 4 Dr. Drusano received a Bachelor of Poulenc Award for innovative research with The Challenges of Protecting Science degree in physics from Boston Col- fluoroquinolones and the American Soci- Older Adults from Influenza...... 5 ety of Health System Pharmacy Research lege in 1971 and an MD degree from the Adult Vaccine Trackers...... 5 University of Maryland in 1975. In 1979, and Education Foundation Drug Therapy he became chief resident at the University Award for outstanding contributions to the 2012 Traveling of Maryland Hospital and in the summer scientific pharmaceutical literature. Professorship Grant...... 5 Calendar of Events...... 7 HE 2 Vol. 36, No.4 | December 2011 T Double Helix

HE CDC Director “Leads by Example” During NFID’s T Double Helix The National Foundation for Infectious Influenza/Pneumococcal News Conference Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public foundation established in 1973 to educate the public and health care profession- o set an example, Thomas R. With more vaccine options, supply, als about the causes, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. Frieden, MD, MPH, director of the and venues this season than ever before, Centers for Disease Control and William Schaffner, MD, NFID president BOARD OF DIRECTORS T Prevention (CDC), rolled up his sleeve and moderator of the news event, empha- President...... William Schaffner, MD President-Elect...... Thomas M. File, Jr., MD and got his influenza vaccine during sized that there is no reason anyone should Vice President...... Patrick Joseph, MD the National Foundation for Infectious go unprotected. Dr. Schaffner also shared Treasurer...... Larry K. Pickering, MD Secretary...... Walter A. Orenstein, MD Diseases’ (NFID) annual influenza/pneu- encouraging results from NFID’s most mococcal news conference, held at the recent survey of adults, which showed an Joseph A. Bocchini, Jr., MD Richard J. Duma, MD, PhD, Director Emeritus National Press Club in Washington, DC increasing number (63 percent) of people Kathryn M. Edwards, MD on September 21, 2011. who intend to get vaccinated this season. George M. Eliopoulos, MD George C. Hill, PhD King K. Holmes, MD, PhD His act of getting vaccinated was in line NFID’s diverse panel included repre- Marguerite M. Jackson, PhD, RN with NFID’s new influenza prevention cam- sentatives from 12 collaborating partner Kathryn B. Kirkland, MD paign, called “Leading by Example,” which organizations, including the American Donna Mazyck, RN, MS Peter L. Nara, DVM, PhD urges healthcare professionals, government Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Ronald Lee Nichols, MD officials, business, and community lead- College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Gary A. Noskin, MD ers to demonstrate their commitment to (ACOG), American Medical Association Georges Peter, MD Daniel J. Sexton, MD influenza vaccination and encourage others (AMA), American Pharmacists Associa- Thomas G. Slama, MD to follow. tion (APhA), Centers for Disease Con- Patricia Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP Vincent H. Tam, PharmD trol and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Patricia Whitley-Williams, MD NFID once again rallied strong support Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Cynthia G. Whitney, MD, MPH from the nation’s leading public health Indian Health Service (IHS), National In- and medical groups to reinforce the need BOARD OF TRUSTEES fluenza Vaccine Summit (NIVS), National Carol J. Baker, MD for all Americans to get vaccinated against Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA), John G. Bartlett, MD influenza. As keynote speaker, Dr. Frieden and National Medical Association (NMA). Emilio A. Emini, PhD shared his outlook for the 2011–2012 Jeffrey P. Engel, MD MedStar Health Visiting Nurse Associa- Craig R. Engesser influenza season, noting an upward trend tion also joined the news conference this Mark B. Feinberg, MD in vaccination rates that represent a steady John H. Johnson year to provide an on-site vaccination clinic Tobi Beth Karchmer, MD increase over the last several years. He for all panelists and news conference at- Samuel L. Katz, MD, DSc urged Americans to continue this progress, tendees following the event. William J. Ledger, MD reminding everyone 6 months of age and Edward B. Lewin, MD G. Lynn Marks, MD older to get the influenza vaccine this, and Panelists also discussed two key popula- William J. Martone, MD every year. tions that share a large burden of disease Sherri Michelstein, JD Kay Mitzel George A. Pankey, MD (LEADS BY EXAMPLE, continued on page 7) Kevin M. Rooney Vijay B. Samant Eric Schultz Leon G. Smith, MD Edmund C. Tramont, MD C. Douglas Webb, Jr., PhD, Chairman

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Leonard Novick

MEDICAL DIRECTOR Susan J. Rehm, MD

EDITORS Leonard Novick Susan J. Rehm, MD

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sharon Cooper-Kerr

Published by National Foundation for Infectious Diseases 4733 Bethesda Avenue | Suite 750 Bethesda, Maryland 20814–5228 Telephone: 301.656.0003 | Fax: 301.907.0878 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.nfid.org ISSN: 1064-1815 HE 3 Vol. 36, No.4 | December 2011 T Double Helix Clinical Vaccinology Course Scheduled

he National Foundation for Infec- tious Diseases (NFID) will hold its Tnext Clinical Vaccinology Course, March 9–11, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The course is co-sponsored by the NFID, Emory Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and the Emory Vaccine Center.

The course is specifically designed for primary care physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician as- sistants, public health specialists, infectious disease specialists and other health care professionals involved with clinical aspects of vaccinology.

In addition, the course will feature Meet the Experts breakfast sessions to allow attend- ees an opportunity to network with seasoned colleagues specializing in vaccinology. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s The Clinical Vaccinology Course Course collaborating organizations in- Commission on Accreditation. This edu- will feature sessions addressing: clude the American Academy of Pediatrics, cational activity has been approved for a maximum of 19 contact hours. The course • How Vaccines Work the American College Health Association, • An Update on the Advisory American Medical Association, American will also offer pharmacy education credits through PharmCon which is accredited by Committee on Immunization Practices Nurses Association, Centers for Disease • Childhood and Adolescent Control and Prevention, the National the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider for continuing Immunization Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitio- • Vaccinology I ners, and the Society of Infectious Diseases pharmacy education. Participants may earn up to a maximum of 19 credit hours. • Special Vaccine Issues Pharmacists. • Adult and Adolescent The Clinical Vaccinology Course has been Online registration is now open for the Immunization Challenges planned and implemented in accordance course. Discounted course registration will • Childhood Immunization Challenges with the Essential Areas and policies of the be offered to medical students, doctoral • Communication Issues Accreditation Council for Continuing Medi- students, residents, fellows, physician • Vaccinology II cal Education (ACCME). NFID designates assistants, nurse practitioners and NFID • Special Populations this educational activity for a maximum of supporting members. Additional informa- TM tion about the course, including full course 19 AMA PRA Category 1Credit(s) . NFID Walter A. Orenstein, MD of Emory is an approved provider of continuing agenda and faculty listing, is available on the NFID website, www.nfid.org. University will deliver the keynote nursing education by the Maryland Nurses presentation, An Overview of Vaccinology. Association, an accredited approver by the Advanced Vaccinology Course Travel Grant Applications Sought

The National Foundation for Infectious provide participants with a comprehensive must be conducting research or working in Diseases (NFID) invites applications for the overview of critical decision-making in a recognized and accredited US institution travel grants to the Advanced Vaccinology vaccinology. of higher learning or in a governmental Course. The grants are intended to assist agency. For additional information about recent postdoctoral graduates who have a The grants each in the amount of $4,000 the course please visit www.advac.org. The demonstrated interest in a career of vac- (US dollars) are provided to defray the grant application is available for download cinology. NFID will award two travel grants costs related to attending the course. In at NFID’s website, www.nfid.org. for the course. order to qualify to apply for a grant appli- cants must first make an application to the Applications must be received by The Advanced Vaccinology Course will course. The candidate must be a citizen of December 31, 2011. The travel grants are be held at Fondation Mérieux’s Confer- and reside in the United States at the time made possible by a grant to NFID by sanofi ence Center, Les Pensiéres, Veyrier-du-Lac, of the course, must have a demonstrated pasteur. France from May 14–25, 2012 and will commitment to vaccinology as a career, and HE 4 Vol. 36, No.4 | December 2011 T Double Helix NFID Announces 15th Annual Conference on Vaccine Research

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) will sponsor the Fifteenth Annual Conference on Vaccine Research: Basic Science, Clinical Research and Veterinary Medicine on May 7–9, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland.

The conference is designed to bring together the diverse disciplines involved in the research and development of vaccines. Expert faculty from various disciplines will present the latest vaccine-related scientific data, results, and issues via symposia and panel discussions. The conference plenary sessions will focus on the following topics:

Clinical Developments in Vaccines/ Vaccine Discovery, Rotavirus, Vaccines for Applications for the International Travel microbiologists, immunologists, molecular Enteric Diseases, Food Safety Vaccines, Grant program are now being accepted. biologists, physicians and veterinarians, Vaccine Adjuvants, and Scientific Assess- The deadline for applications and abstracts vaccine manufacturers, and public health ment to Recent Adverse Events Discovery. submission is December 16, 2011. officials who have an interest in vaccine research. NFID designates this CME activ- Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, University The conference will offer pre and post ity for a maximum of 19.25 AMA PRA of Pennsylvania will deliver the keynote affiliated events. A writing workshop Category 1 CreditsTM. presentation, Vaccine Discovery. F. Marc Creating Outstanding Scientific Com- LaForce, MD, PATH, will present the Mary munications: Talks, Abstracts, and Posters Continuing Education credits will be Lou Clements-Mann Memorial Lecture, will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012. This offered for nurses. NFID is an approved Vaccine Sciences New Group A Meningococcal program will help scientific authors prepare provider of continuing nursing education Conjugate Vaccine: Introduction in Africa. sound scientific presentations while ad- by the Maryland Nurses Association, an ac- dressing issues such as conflict of interest, credited approver by the American Nurses The Conference will also feature the authorship, copyright, and submitting to Credentialing Center’s Commission on presentation of the Maurice R. Hilleman an appropriate journal. The International Accreditation. This educational activity has Early-stage Career Investigator Award, Alliance for Biological Standardization been approved for a maximum of 19.25 which memorializes the lifetime achieve- (IABS) will hold its program, Potential Use contact hours. ments of Dr. Maurice R. Hilleman in the of Biomarkers of Inflammation and of field of vaccinology. The award recognizes Early Immunological Events to Assess Vac- Registration fees are $520 prior to March individuals in the early stages of their ca- cine Safety on May 10–11, 2012. 26, 2012 and $620 after this date. NFID reers in any field of vaccinology, from basic will offer discounted conference admission research, through pre-clinical and clinical Collaborating organizations include the to medical students, doctoral students, resi- studies, manufacturing and production, to American Veterinary Medical Association; dents, fellows, physician assistants, nurses, related research in public health, agricul- Center for Vaccine Development-Universi- and NFID supporting members. For more ture, health delivery, policy and regulatory ty of Maryland; Centers for Disease Con- information about registration or abstract matters. trol and Prevention; the Edward Jenner submission, call NFID at (301) 656-0003 Society; Emory Vaccine Center; Fonda- x19, fax: (301) 907-0878, e-mail: vaccine@ The conference will include meet the tion Mérieux; International Association nfid.org or you may visit the NFID website experts breakfast sessions. for Biological Standardization; National at www.nfid.org. Institute of Allergy and Infectious Dis- Abstracts for oral and poster presenta- eases; Sabin Vaccine Institute; and Sealy tions are now being accepted at www.nfid. Center for Vaccine Development, Univer- org. Abstracts must be received by January sity of Texas Medical Branch. 6, 2012. The complete preliminary program and online registration may be found at the The conference was developed for conference website link. researchers, scientists, epidemiologists, HE 5 Vol. 36, No.4 | December 2011 T Double Helix NFID Develops New Tracking Tools to Support Vaccination Efforts and Improve Record Keeping for US Adults

The National Foundation for Infec- Interviews with physician assistants identi- self-tracking. To enhance its value, NFID tious Diseases (NFID) has created two fied by the American Academy of Physician designed the consumer tracker to double as new tools to help healthcare professionals Assistants and a nurse from the American an educational tool. It helps adults assess (HCPs) and consumers better understand Nurses Association were conducted to gain which vaccines they need based on their and track adult vaccinations. The “Adult more insight. They indicated that any tools age and health condition, encourages them Patient Vaccine Tracker” for HCPs and the that could help providers and patients keep to speak with an HCP about vaccination, “Adult Vaccination Tracker and Guide” an accurate record of vaccinations received and provides space for tracking vaccina- for patients are now available on NFID’s and those needed would be a welcomed tions as they get them. website www.adultvaccination.org. resource in clinical practice. Further, cou- pling a tracking grid with the current CDC NFID’s multidisciplinary Pneumococcal NFID identified a need for better tracking vaccination schedule and tips for overcom- Disease Advisory Board is co-chaired by Dr. tools through ongoing discussions with ing tracking challenges would be an added William Schaffner, NFID President and members of its Pneumococcal Disease benefit compared to available trackers. Dr. Susan J. Rehm, NFID Medical Direc- Advisory Board and with representatives of tor. The Advisory Board led the develop- partner organizations who support NFID’s To address these needs, NFID’s “Adult ment of these tools. efforts to increase adult immunization rates. Patient Vaccine Tracker” includes a tracking grid on one side and CDC’s Adult Immuni- The trackers are available at: www.adult- Although there has been a gradual shift zation Schedule on the reverse side for easy vaccination.org/immunizationtracking. To from paper charts to electronic medical re- reference. Tips for patient screening and extend the reach of these resources, NFID cords (EMRs), only about 44 percent of physi- vaccine tracking accompany the schedule. will highlight their availability through cians report using all or partial EMR systems upcoming activities with partner organiza- in their practices. While there were several Because adults can receive recommended tions and encourage their dissemination. existing paper trackers, it was clear from vaccines in any number of healthcare set- NFID will also look for feedback from pro- discussions that additional features could sup- tings, the professionals interviewed stressed viders in the coming months to assess their port improved record-keeping practices. the importance of engaging patients in usability and make adjustments if needed.

The Challenges of Protecting Older Adults 2012 Traveling from Influenza Professorship in The National Foundation for Infectious tion to the “Protecting Older Adults from Rural Areas Grant Diseases (NFID) announces a new online Influenza” brief, practical advice for pro- activity focused on protecting older adults tecting your patients, as well as an overview Applications from influenza. Featuring NFID President, of NFID’s adult immunization programs, William Schaffner, MD, this new interac- resources, and tools. The online activity The National Foundation for Infectious tive online activity includes an introduc- also includes a follow up ‘ask the expert’ Diseases (NFID) invites individuals to ap- feature, soliciting participant questions, ply for the 2012 Traveling Professorship in and providing answers in several minute Rural Areas. This grant is funded through segmented talks. Click here to begin the the NFID Steven R. Mostow Endowment presentation. for Outreach Programs and is intended to provide support for the recipient to provide This online presentation is offered in face-to-face infectious diseases education to collaboration with QuantiaMD, the largest practicing physicians in rural areas in the online and mobile physician community. recipient’s state of residence or primary The QuantiaMD online community cur- practice. rently consists of over 125,000 healthcare providers, with 55% of the members as The grant will be made in a one-time primary care providers. cash payment of $10,000. All applications must be postmarked by January 6, 2012. For more information regarding eligibility and application instructions please visit the NFID website www.nfid.org/pdf/awards/ professorship.pdf. HE 6 Vol. 36, No.4 | December 2011 T Double Helix

(AWARD RECIPIENTS, from page 1) Previous Recipients of the 1992 Michael E. DeBakey, MD Maxwell Finland Award 1991 Mrs. Albert Lasker While attending her brother’s commence- 2011 R. Palmer Beasley, MD 1990 P. Roy Vagelos, MD ment from Oberlin she listened to Dr. D. 2010 Richard P. Wenzel, MD 1989 Anthony S. Fauci, MD A. Henderson speak about his efforts to 1988 C. Everett Koop, MD eradicate smallpox and she was inspired. 2009 Stanley A. Plotkin, MD 2008 Martin S. Hirsch, MD Previous Recipients of the Jimmy and “He verified what I thought I wanted to Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award do,” Dr. Gayle said. “His speech made me 2007 Hebert L. DuPont, MD realize: Wow! You can eradicate diseases off 2006 Robert C. Moellering, Jr., MD 2011 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD the face of the earth. You can do something 2005 John G. Bartlett, MD 2010 Jennifer L. Howse, PhD that makes a difference – not just as a 2004 George H. McCracken, Jr., MD 2009 Ann Lurie physician, by treating one person at a time, 2003 George W. Comstock, MD, DrPh 2008 Louis W. Sullivan, MD but affecting whole populations. That was 2002 Jerome O. Klein, MD 2007 William H. Foege, MD, MPH a true defining moment. She earned her 2006 Paul E. Farmer, MD, PhD degree in medicine from the University of 2001 Robert Austrian, MD Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in pub- 2000 R. Gordon Douglas, MD 2005 Former President William Jefferson Clinton lic health from Johns Hopkins University. 1999 Stanley Falkow, PhD 2004 Henri Landwirth 1998 Maurice R. Hilleman, PhD 2003 The Honorable John Edward Porter After a residency in pediatric medicine at 1997 Joshua Lederberg, PhD 2002 William “Bill” H. Gates, III the Children’s Hospital National Medi- and Melinda F. Gates 1996 The Honorable Paul G. Rogers cal Center in Washington, DC, Dr. Gayle 2001 Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV 1995 The Honorable Dale Bumpers served in the Epidemic Intelligence Service and Mrs. Betty F. Bumpers 2000 Robert Edward “Ted” Turner, III at the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- 1994 The Honorable Elizabeth Hanford Dole 1999 David Satcher, M.D., PhD vention (CDC). Dr. Gayle later completed a residency in preventive medicine, before 1993 Arthur Ashe, Jr. joining the CDC staff as epidemiologist. Dr. Gayle focused on the problems of socioeconomic structure of families. In fact Leadership Award is given to individuals malnourished children in the United States her entire distinguished career is testimony that have worked tirelessly in a leadership ca- and around the world and she evaluated to her continual commitment to improving pacity, on behalf of NFID. Dr. Utz was one and put into place child survival programs the health and well-being of all mankind of the founders of NFID, and a champion in Africa. She also conducted research and by designing and instituting intelligent, in the fight against infectious diseases. Dr. worked on programs and policy in the field innovative, and relevant programs that are Rehm has worked tirelessly on NFID’s initia- of HIV/AIDS. proven change agents for a broad range of tives since 1988. She was a member of the social issues. I am inspired by her indomi- NFID Board of Directors from 1988–2004 In 1992, Dr. Gayle became AIDS coordina- table spirit and accomplishments and con- and was president from 2001–2004. Since tor and chief of the HIV/AIDS division for sider her an exceptionally notable citizen, 2004 Dr. Rehm has been the “face” of NFID the U.S Agency for International Develop- leader, and humanitarian.” Ann Lurie is while serving as Medical Director, often ap- ment. In 1995, she was named Director for the president of the Ann and Robert H. pearing as a spokesperson for the organiza- the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Lurie Foundation and recipient of the 2010 tion on various infectious disease topics. Prevention at CDC. She became the director NFID Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Human- of CDC’s Washington office and a health itarian Award. The Event consultant to various international agencies The Awards Dinner will take place on including the World Health Organization, In addition to overseeing the vast opera- the evening of March 27, 2012 at the Ritz UNICEF, the World Bank and UNAIDS. tions of CARE, Dr. Gayle chairs the Obama Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. Administration’s Presidential Advisory In 2001, she was appointed director Individual seats for the NFID Awards Din- Council on HIV/AIDS and is a member of the HIV, TB, and reproductive health ner are $350 per person. Sponsored tables of the President’s Commission on White program, which is responsible for research, for ten are available for $9,000. NFID is a House Fellowships. She has appeared on the programs and policies concerning HIV/ non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and as list of Foreign Policy magazine’s “Top 100 AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, repro- a result most of this cost is tax deductible. Global Thinkers,” Newsweek magazine’s ductive health issues, and tuberculosis, for Net proceeds from the event will be used top 10 “Women in Leadership” and the the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In for public and professional education about Wall Street Journal’s list of “50 Women to 2006 Dr. Gayle became the president and infectious diseases; research and training Watch.” She was also named as one of the CEO of Care, Inc. in infectious diseases; and to aid in the “100 Most Influential Georgians” and the prevention and treatment of infectious dis- “100 Most Influential Atlantans.” “When I first met Dr. Gayle,” said eases. For more information please contact Ann Lurie, “I was impressed by her pas- Sharon Cooper-Kerr at 301.656.0003 x14. sion for the disenfranchised and her fierce John P. Utz Leadership Award insistence that women and girls must be NFID will also honor its Medical Direc- the recipients of all messages geared to tor, Susan J. Rehm, MD with the John P. changing access to medical care and the Utz Leadership Award. The John P. Utz HE 7 Vol. 36, No.4 | December 2011 T Double Helix

(LEADS BY EXAMPLE from page 2)

and for which vaccination can have a sig- tions are more likely to have underlying ourselves,” he said. nificant impact on health. Shari M. Ling, health problems, which increase the risk of MD, acting deputy chief medical officer at influenza complications. HIS Chief Medi- Mitchel C. Rothholz, chief strategy CMS commended the traditionally high cal Officer Susan V. Karol, MD, noted that officer at the APhA, said “pharmacists vaccination rates in the 65-plus population the influenza-related mortality rate for the are one of the most accessible healthcare and highlighted the importance of this American Indian/Alaska Native popula- professionals and are in a unique position group continuing to receive influenza and tion is approximately four times the average to educate the public about the importance pneumococcal vaccines to avoid complica- rate, making it critical to support vaccina- of prevention and to administer influenza, tions from these diseases. tion policies and programs. Winston Price, pneumococcal, and other vaccines.” He MD, of the NMA, called on healthcare also noted that more US pharmacists are Richard H. Beigi, MD, MSc, assistant professionals to support vaccine opportu- trained to administer immunizations than professor, Department of Obstetrics, nities in nonmedical settings, saying “We ever before and an increasing proportion of Gynecology and Reproductive Services, must integrate approaches to promote vac- influenza vaccinations are given in non- University of Pittsburgh and representative cination across all practice settings and find medical settings. of ACOG, advocated influenza vaccination ways to extend our efforts beyond clinic To further extend the critical public as a safe, effective way for pregnant women walls.” to protect themselves and their newborn health messages conveyed at the news con- babies. He also addressed the safety and O. Marion Burton, MD, president ference to reach local communities across improved outcomes with influenza antiviral of the AAP noted that influenza spreads the country, NFID held a satellite broad- medication, and the importance of prompt rapidly among children and resulted in 115 cast media tour the following morning with treatment if pregnant women do get sick. pediatric influenza-associated deaths last Dr. Schaffner and Daniel B. Jernigan, MD He noted that instilling these behaviors season. He reminded everyone that “an- deputy director of the CDC’s Influenza now can establish a lifetime of good family nual influenza vaccine keeps our children Division in the National Center for Immu- health and infectious disease prevention. safe and can slow influenza’s spread to the nization and Respiratory Diseases. Fifteen community at large.” interviews with local TV and radio stations Supporting panelists addressed impor- were conducted, in key markets such as tant issues relating to their key constituen- AMA Chair, Robert Wah, MD empha- Detroit, Denver and Phoenix. cies and questions from the media who sized how important it is to hear a vac- joined the news conference via webcast or cination recommendation from someone To view the news conference online, teleconference. on their healthcare team and called on please visit www.visualwebcaster.com/ physicians to receive the vaccine as well. NFID2011-NewsConference. Several panelists highlighted the need to “Physicians play an important role in reduc- For more information, or to join the Lead close immunization gaps among all popula- ing the spread of influenza by encourag- by Example initiative, please visit tions. Elena Rios, MD, president of the ing our patients to get vaccinated, and we www.nfid.org/influenza/leadingbyexample. NHMA pointed out that minority popula- also set an example by getting vaccinated

Calendar of NFID Events and Meetings March 9–11, 2012 March 27, 2012 May 7–9, 2012 April 22–24, 2013 Clinical Vaccinology NFID Awards Dinner Fifteenth Annual Sixteenth Annual Course Sponsored by the National Conference on Vaccine Conference on Vaccine Sponsored by the Foundation Research Research National Foundation for for Infectious Diseases Sponsored by the Sponsored by the National Infectious Diseases Ritz Carlton Pentagon City National Foundation for Foundation for Infectious Hyatt Regency Chicago Arlington, VA Infectious Diseases Diseases Chicago, Illinois Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor Baltimore, Maryland Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland For more information about NFID sponsored events and meetings, please contact: Sharon Cooper-Kerr, NFID | 4733 Bethesda Avenue | Suite 750 | Bethesda, Maryland 20814 – 5228 Telephone: 301.656.0003, Ext 14 | Fax: 301.907.0878 | E-mail: [email protected], or visit our website at www.nfid.org