Infectious Disease

Infectious disease and family medicine experts share guidance on vaccine policy changes, patient communication, and boosting vaccine confidence.

William Schaffner, MD, a long-time liaison from the NFID to the ACIP working groups, is concerned about fragmentation of US vaccine recommendations.

William Schaffner, MD, advises first and foremost to stay away from politics, to acknowledge and normalize patient fear and concern, and to answer quickly and with confidence.

Sarah Sams, MD, emphasizes education, empathy, and proactive communication to support families and protect public health.

William Schaffner, MD, ID specialist and vaccine expert, advises following state guidance on back-to-school shots and thinking through new guidance on COVID shots for kids.

Infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja, MD, discusses new vaccine policies, misinformation, and how PCPs can build confidence during National Immunization Awareness Month.

"The foundation of science in the new iteration of the ACIP is uncertain at best," William Schaffner, MD, observed. He is concerned about where that might lead.

Family physician Sarah Sams, MD, shares practical strategies on vaccine updates, coadministration, and addressing hesitancy this respiratory season.

AstraZeneca launches FluMist Home, the first FDA-approved at-home flu vaccine service, allowing self- or caregiver administration of the intranasal influenza vaccine for the 2025–26 season.

Large US cohort study finds COVID-19 infection increases short-term risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis, while vaccination lowers these risks.

Infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja, MD, discusses key vaccine policy changes, strategies to combat misinformation, and ways PCPs can boost vaccine confidence.

A recent poll reveals most US adults are hesitant about fall COVID-19 vaccinations, highlighting confusion over federal policies and declining trust in health agencies.

William Schaffner, MD, a veteran infectious disease expert and public health thought leader is concerned that rapidly shifting federal policy could impact future options.

The 9 influenza vaccines available for the upcoming respiratory virus season come from 4 manufacturers in single-dose syringes and vials and multidose vials may still be available.

Family physician Sarah Sams, MD, shares how to improve pediatric vaccine coadministration using pre‑visit planning and staff coordination.

Schaffner describes the mood among his colleagues in infectious disease right now as anxious, perplexed, distressed, and angry. They expect the disruptions and their feelings to continue.

Effective pediatric vaccine conversations require trust and facts. Family physician Sarah Sams, MD, offers tips for addressing concerns without harming patient relationships.

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From EMR reports to targeted nurse visits, Sarah Sams, MD, outlines practical ways PCPs can catch up pediatric vaccinations before school starts.

FDA accepts priority review of gepotidacin for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea, with phase 3 data showing non-inferiority to standard injectable therapy.

Board-certified family physician Sarah Sams, MD, urges physicians to actively engage their communities to build vaccine confidence and combat misinformation.

Infectious disease physician Amesh Adalja, MD, explains how PCPs can reframe vaccines as health technology to boost confidence and counter hesitancy.

Since his Senate approval as head of HHS in February, RFK Jr has enacted and/or proposed seismic changes to US vaccine policy that will impact your daily care of patients.

Amesh Adalja, MD, urges physicians to use their trusted position to counter widespread vaccine misinformation and strengthen patient confidence in immunization.

Amesh Adalja, MD, advises physicians turn to specialty societies for evidence-based, reliable recommendations this respiratory virus season.

Amesh Adalja, MD, explains how physicians can rebut social media vaccine claims with concise, referenced facts and patient-centered communication.

Dr Adalja offers evidence-based strategies to address patient concerns about aluminum and thimerosal in vaccines.

Infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja, MD, outlines the biggest vaccine policy shifts of 2025, including changes to COVID-19 and flu vaccine recommendations.

Nirsevimab lowered the risk of RSV-related illness by over 87% and hospitalizations by 98% in a new study.

Vaccination lowered influenza cases by about 33% to 42% in seasonal flu setups with 40% vaccine effectiveness, researchers reported.