The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) announced that it will honor Dr. Paul A. Offit with the Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement at its Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. The award will be presented to Dr. Offit “for his outstanding work in the pediatric vaccine arena and his ongoing commitment to vaccine advocacy.” The Award is given to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to the understanding of infectious diseases or public health. The announcement noted that ”Dr. Paul A. Offit is an impassioned advocate for immunization. He has rallied the scientific counterattack against the anti-vaccine movement. Dr. Offit is the co-inventor of the RotaTeg rotavirus vaccine which is recommended for universal use in infants in the US and is widely used in other countries. Dr. Offit is credited with saving countless lives worldwide.”
Vijay Samant, president and chief executive officer of Vical, Inc., commented “I believe Dr. Offit is a most appropriate candidate for the Maxwell Finland Awards for his broad influence on the pediatric vaccine field, from his development of the life-saving rotavirus vaccines, to his exemplary pediatric practice, to his staunch support of childhood immunization against zealous opponents. His insightful and approachable style of writing has helped bridge the gap between medical research and the general public. His legacy must include both the hundreds of thousands of lives already saved by the rotavirus vaccines, and the million more that will be saved by his advocacy for prudent vaccine policy.”
vaccines and global health :: ethics and policy 