William Schaffner

William Schaffner, MD. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
September 30, 2025

William Schaffner receives national honor for his vaccination, public health advocacy

The award honors medical school faculty members who have made major contributions to improving public health and health care.

By Bill Snyder
November 8, 2023

Flu season starting late but expected to increase for the holidays

The current flu season has started later and more gradually than last year although cases are expected to begin increasing in November before falling off in March.

By Courtney Graetzer
January 19, 2023

Emerging Infections Program lands national award for COVID response

Vanderbilt’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP) recently received the Toby Merlin Award for Excellence in Emergency Response, presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

By Jake Lowary
December 6, 2018

Schaffner honored by Infectious Diseases Society of America

William Schaffner, MD, professor of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Health Policy and professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, is the recipient of the 2018 D.A. Henderson Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health.

By Craig Boerner
May 10, 2018

New Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame class has strong Vanderbilt ties

On May 3, the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame announced seven health care professionals selected as this year’s inductee class, three of whom have close ties to Vanderbilt.

By Kathy Whitney
January 5, 2018

What you need to know about this year’s flu

Discover what strains are prominent, how effective this year’s vaccine is, and how hard the virus has hit Tennessee so far.

By VUMC News and Communications
November 21, 2017

Post-flu risks a growing concern for the elderly

Infectious disease experts are warning that flu can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and disability in elderly patients for months after they have recovered from their illness.
By Craig Boerner
October 26, 2017

Edwards, Schaffner honored by major infectious diseases organizations

Two highly regarded Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) infectious disease clinicians were recognized with service awards from prominent organizations during IDWeek in San Diego, California, Oct. 4-8.
By Craig Boerner
June 15, 2017

Schaffner receives UpShot Award in vaccine communication

The National Vaccine Program Office in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected William Schaffner, M.D., to receive its 2017 NVPO UpShot Award in Vaccine Communication.
By Craig Boerner
November 10, 2016

VUSM’s MPH Program celebrates 20th anniversary

The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Master of Public Health (MPH) Program marked its 20th anniversary during Reunion Weekend in October.
By Kathy Whitney
January 28, 2016

Schaffner honored by Houston Academy of Medicine

The Houston Academy of Medicine and Harris County Medical Society awarded William Schaffner, M.D., professor of Preventive Medicine, with the 2016 John P. McGovern Compleat Physician Award last week.
By Craig Boerner
November 12, 2015

Schaffner honored for public health contributions

William Schaffner, M.D., professor of Preventive Medicine, is this year’s recipient of the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) 2015 John Snow Award, a longstanding award given in recognition of “enduring contributions to public health through epidemiologic methods and practice.”
By Craig Boerner
December 11, 2014

Photo: Flexner Dean’s Lecture

Vanderbilt’s William Schaffner, M.D., professor of Preventive Medicine, delivered Monday’s Flexner Dean’s Lecture, where he discussed Ebola, public health policy and the media.
By VUMC News and Communications