2026 PIDS Vaccine Advocacy Fellowship Program: Training the Next Generation of Pediatric Vaccine Policy Leaders

The PIDS Vaccine Advocacy Fellowship Program: Training the Next Generation of Pediatric Vaccine Policy Leaders is a structured, 12-month program designed to equip pediatric infectious diseases fellows with the scientific, regulatory, and communication skills necessary to lead vaccine advocacy and public policy. Our initiative addresses the urgent need for informed physician advocates to combat declining childhood immunization rates and influence vaccine-related policy at local, state, and federal levels.

The award funds may be used at the recipient’s discretion for expenses such as salary support, supplemental coursework or conference fees related to advocacy, publication costs, additional travel expenses beyond what is already covered by PIDS, or other necessary expenses. Indirect costs and health insurance are not permitted.

This program is possible thanks to a generous grant provided by Pfizer and Merck.

All applications from eligible candidates will be reviewed by a panel of experts in pediatric infectious diseases advocacy. For this cohort, PIDS anticipates selecting 2–4 fellows. Applicants will be evaluated based on the relevance of their interest in the program, prior advocacy experience, strength of professional references and institutional support, and overall fit for the program.

Award decisions are expected to be finalized by July 31.

Applications for this award must include the following:

Completed application form (online)
Applicant’s biosketch in current NIH format (5-page limit)
Personal statement from the applicant (1 page)
Statement on advocacy experience (1 page)
Letter of support from the applicant’s division director or fellowship program director

The completed application should be submitted as a single .pdf file through the website portal by 11:59 p.m. PT, Monday, July 13, 2026.

Fields marked with an * are required.

Applicant Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Institution/Organization *

Email *

Phone

Year in PID Fellowship Training *

Second Year

Third Year

Division Chief or Program Director Information

First Name *

Please provide your Division Chief or Program Director's first name.

Last Name *

Please provide your Division Chief or Program Director's last name.

Email *

Please provide your Division Chief or Program Director's email.

Application Materials

Please upload the following douments as a single .pdf file: *

Applicant’s biosketch in current NIH format (5-page limit)
Personal statement from the applicant (1 page)
Statement on advocacy experience (1 page)
Letter of support from the applicant’s division director or fellowship program director

20MB max

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