VIDEO: Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH, NFID Vice President, interview with KTVI-TV in St. Louis, MO

(Bethesda, MD, Tuesday, October 6, 2020) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, routine vaccinations have declined significantly across all populations in the US, with demand plummeting as much as 95 percent for certain vaccines. Life-saving vaccines should not be delayed.

Vaccines are one of the most valuable public health tools available to prevent a variety of diseases across the lifespan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of other infectious diseases will put additional strain on the capacity of the US healthcare system.

“Keep Up The Rates” is a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of getting routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign, led by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and supported by more than 100 leading public health organizations, encourages individuals of all ages to receive recommended vaccines that may have been delayed in recent months.

Immunization protects entire communities. Individuals who are not able to get vaccinated due to underlying health conditions rely on community immunity to protect them. If communities are not up to date on recommended vaccines, vulnerable populations are left at greater risk of exposure to serious infectious diseases.

Staying current on recommended vaccinations helps us to stay healthy and also protects those around us who are at greatest risk of serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Led by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), Keep Up The Rates is a collaborative effort of more than 100 leading public health organizations supporting the goal of encouraging all individuals to receive recommended vaccines that may have been delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For additional information, visit www.nfid.org/KeepUpTheRates.

Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the burden, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan. For additional information, visit www.nfid.org.