Presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
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MEDIA ALERT
WHAT: Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joins the nation's leading medical and government health experts to address the value of influenza vaccination, discuss strain selection and protection expected this year, and stress the importance of seeking vaccination well into the new year. Prominent public health experts will also provide important health information about influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, including:
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WHY: Influenza activity is unpredictable each year. Yet, influenza vaccination remains the most effective and most reliable way to prevent influenza. Since the influenza season typically does not peak until February, health care professionals should use the entire season to vaccinate their patients. However, according to the CDC's National Health Interview Survey, approximately 84 percent of all influenza vaccinations each year are administered during September through November.
WHO: Reporters are encouraged to engage in the discussion, which will feature the following speakers:
WHEN: Wednesday, September 24, 2008; 10:00 a.m. Eastern
WHERE: The National Press Club, 14th & F Streets, NW, 13th Floor, First Amendment Lounge; also via live webcast at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/NFID-NewsConference-2008 and telephone at 800-931-1309.
CONTACT: Jennifer Corrigan, 732-382-8898, 732-742-7148 (cell phone) or Victoria Amari, 212-886-2290 to register.
Pre-registration for attendance is preferred. Journalists must present media identification or a business card issued by a recognized news organization. Freelance journalists must present a letter of assignment on letterhead from a recognized news organization and a business card.
/PRNewswire -- Sept. 22/
-- Overview of 2008-2009 influenza vaccination recommendations, including new age-based recommendations that will call for 30 million more children to be vaccinated this year -- Worldwide surveillance data and its impact on U.S. strain selection; expectations for protection this season -- Influenza vaccine supply increased for the fifth straight year; why it is important to ensure continued high production in years to come -- Role of antivirals and good hygiene practices in protecting against influenza -- New NFID survey revealing lack of physician/patient communication about influenza -- Value of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in protecting those 50 years and older
SOURCE National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
