JHAH Infectious Diseases Expert Wins Saudi Vaccine Award For Research Into Coronavirus Variants And Hajj Safety

Professor Jaffar Al-Tawfiq won the Vaccine Research and Innovation Award at the 7th Saudi International Vaccination Forum for his yearslong studies across multiple fields of vaccinology.

An infectious diseases expert at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) has been recognized for his outstanding contribution to vaccinology, including crucial research into coronavirus variants.

Prof. Jaffar Al-Tawfiq, Consultant of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at JHAH, received the Saudi Vaccine Award for Vaccine Research and Innovation at the 7th Saudi International Vaccination Forum in Riyadh.

The Saudi Vaccine Award program recognizes outstanding contributions and innovations in the field of vaccinology, honoring individuals who have demonstrated excellence in advancing vaccine research, development, and implementation. The Vaccine Research and Innovation Award specifically recognizes breakthroughs in vaccine development, innovations in vaccine platforms, and research that addresses regional infectious disease concerns.

Prof. Al-Tawfiq, who is also the Director of Accreditation and Infection Control at JHAH, was recognized for his yearslong research into multiple fields of vaccinology. He has investigated emerging infectious diseases including the MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses. He has also conducted research into public health preparedness for mass gatherings such as the Hajj, infection control and hospital epidemiology, antimicrobial stewardship, and vaccination strategies and implementation.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder that vaccinology is crucial to saving millions of lives across the world,” Prof. Al-Tawfiq said. “However, those of us who work in the field know there is much more to be done. I am honored to receive this recognition, but my work will continue.”

In October 2024, Prof. Al-Tawfiq received an Excellence in Health Research Lifetime Achievement Award from the Saudi Research, Development & Innovation Authority. He is ranked among the top 10 researchers in the infection specialty by ScholarGPS, an online database that rates the publication and citation history of researchers globally.

The 7th International Vaccination Forum was organized by the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. The forum took place in Riyadh in May.