Vaccine Advocacy Fellowship Program
Forecasted
Vaccine Advocacy Fellowship Program supports pediatric infectious diseases fellows with science, policy, and communication training to lead vaccine advocacy and address declining childhood immunization rates.
Funder: Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 for one year, plus program-covered travel, advocacy, and media training costs
Summary: A 12-month fellowship prepares pediatric infectious diseases fellows to lead vaccine advocacy and influence public policy.
Key Information: Applicants must be current PIDS members and second- or third-year fellows in U.S. accredited Pediatric Infectious Diseases fellowship programs.
Description
The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Foundation’s Vaccine Advocacy Fellowship Program is a structured, 12-month initiative that develops the scientific, regulatory, and communication skills needed for vaccine advocacy and public policy leadership. Supported through grants from Pfizer and Merck, it prepares physician advocates to address declining childhood immunization rates and influence vaccine-related policy at local, state, and federal levels.
Fellows participate in monthly seminars covering immunology, vaccine design, regulatory approval pathways, policy frameworks, and global vaccine equity. They also help revise PIDS vaccine education modules and develop educational content for clinicians and the public. Media and advocacy training includes interviews, message framing, public speaking, policy briefs, and official testimony, alongside workshops with policy directors and lobbyists and participation in at least one legislative advocacy day.
