International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) aims to shine a light on the infection prevention profession each year. This year’s theme is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.”
- Share messages about IIPW in your newsletters and via social media.
- Download our infographic posters and logos and web buttons.
- View “Moving the Needle” daily content including the new Build-a-Bug activity, Health Equity prompts, daily Wordle and more
- Looking for more ideas? Peruse our evergreen 2023 “Daily Fundamentals” content
Gear up for IIPW
Celebrate IIPW with APIC’s new merchandise. There is something for everyone: shirts, tumblers, notebooks, pens, bags and totes, and more! View available merchandise.
IIPW: Get Started
Infection prevention and control has always been an important part of public health and safety. Help us move the needle on infection prevention this year and every year! Ready to participate in IIPW? Here are a few easy ways to get involved.
New for IPs! Moving the Needle Day-by-Day Guide
– Build-a-Bug pre-created and ready to use IIPW activity
– Daily resources
– Daily IIPW Wordle Game
– Daily Heath Equity Prompts from APIC’s DEI Committee
IIPW 2023: Evergreen FUNdamentals Content to Educate Your Teams
-Daily fun activities to try
-2023 Wordle Game
-Daily Gratitude affirmations
– JeoPARODY Game for IIPW
Infographics and Posters
Share APIC’s infographics on how to make your intention infection prevention! Together we can counter misinformation! All APIC infographics are printer-ready and free.
Games and Activities
APIC has games and activities (word searches, coloring sheets, and activity pages) that are perfect for all ages and infection prevention skill levels!
Infection Prevention Videos
Watch and share these infection prevention videos. You’ll see videos promoting best practices in infection prevention that will make you laugh, cry, reflect, strategize, and tap your feet! Show these videos during staff meetings or share them on your social media channels.
Gear Up for IIPW
Shop this exciting new collection of IIPW merchandise, perfect for inside and outside the healthcare facility. Place your order by October 1 to ensure it arrives in time for IIPW!
JeoPARODY Game for IIPW
Download and play an interactive game of IIPW JeoPARODY to celebrate IIPW!
Social Media Posts to Share
APIC has sample Facebook posts, X, Threads, and Instagram posts that you can use at any time to show your support for IPs during IIPW.
Connect with APIC on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and YouTube!
Sample Facebook Posts
Please use the hashtag #IIPW and tag our APIC Facebook account in your posts.
| International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), October 13-19, celebrates the importance of infection prevention and the role of IPs in protecting public health. Raise your voice and spread thanks to IPs around the world! Learn more: infectionpreventionandyou.org/iipw/ #IIPW |
| During this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) October 13-19, 2024, APIC is shifting into DRIVE and coming together to save lives and improve infection prevention outcomes worldwide. Learn more: infectionpreventionandyou.org/iipw/ #IIPW |
| The APIC IP Staffing Calculator is here to support Infection Preventionists with staffing recommendations for various care settings. This beta version is just the start—contribute your data and help refine this vital tool! #InfectionControl #HealthcareLeadership |
| Preparing for the unexpected? APIC’s Emerging Infectious Disease Playbooks offer detailed guidance on outbreak response. Download and customize them to suit your facility’s needs. https://bit.ly/Emerging_Infectious_Diseases #IIPW2024 |
| What do Infection Preventionists DO? Who do they work with? Who do they help? Learn more ▶️ https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/who-are-infection-preventionists/ |
| “What IS an infection preventionist?” GREAT QUESTION! In short – IPs do a LOT! 😷 Who Are IPs?😷 Infection preventionists (IPs) are specially trained professionals, leaders, educators, and collaborators from diverse backgrounds, including nursing, public health, laboratory, and allied health fields. 💉 What Do IPs Do?🔬 IPs promote a culture of safety and impact the health of patients, workers, staff, and community members. Their advocacy and work extend throughout the organization and the community. 🤝 Who Do IPs Work With 🤝 Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Departments, Public Health, Community Partners, Regulatory Agencies, Professional Organizations, Industry, and more! Find out more and download this infographic ▶️ https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/who-are-infection-preventionists/ |
| Learn more about how IPs are “Moving the Needle” on infection prevention this year during International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 13-19! infectionpreventionandyou.org/iipw/ |
| Stay sharp about sharps! APIC’s infographic is your go-to resource for safe disposal and handling practices. https://bit.ly/SharpsSafetyInfographic #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| [XX Your Organization XX] Is proud to partner with @APIC during #IIPW. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the FUNdamentals of Infection Prevention “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” Learn more: infectionpreventionandyou.org/iipw/ |
| Do you know the value of infection prevention? Learn the importance of preventing these infections and spread the love to our IPs. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rPk9XhA700 #IIPW |
Sample X Posts
Please use the hashtag #IIPW and tag our APIC X account in your posts.
| #Infectionprevention starts with you, but it takes a vaccinated community to protect the herd! Learn more with @APIC during #IIPW October 13-19: https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW), October 13-19, celebrates the importance of infection prevention and our brave IPs! Spread the love to the IPs fighting back against infection: https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| Learn more about IPs and their role in keeping you safe by celebrating International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 13-19. Keep informed about #IIPW24 : https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| Show your support for #infectionprevention and IPs around the world by participating in #IIPW this year (October 13-19)! https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| During this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) October 13-19, 2024, APIC is shifting into DRIVE and coming together to save lives and improve infection prevention outcomes worldwide. Learn more: infectionpreventionandyou.org/iipw/ #IIPW |
| “What IS an infection preventionist?” GREAT QUESTION! In short – IPs do a LOT! Find out more and download this infographic ▶️https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/who-are-infection-preventionists/ |
| [XX Your Organization X] Is proud to partner with @APIC during #IIPW. This year’s theme is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” Learn more: https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| Think you have what it takes to be an infection preventionist? Learn more about the world’s IPs during #IIPW #IIPW24 www.infectionpreventionandyou.org/infection-prevention-basics/learn-more-about-ips/ |
| Stay sharp about sharps! APIC’s infographic is your go-to resource for safe disposal and handling practices. https://bit.ly/SharpsSafetyInfographic #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| Who are IPs? Infection preventionists (IPs) are professionals who make sure healthcare workers and patients are doing all the things they should to prevent infections. Learn more about IPs: https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/who-are-infection-preventionists/ #IIPW |
| Download and share all of the NEW downloadable resources, activities, and ideas to celebrate IIPW this year! https://bit.ly/IIPWPromoToolkit #IIPW |
| Do you know the value of #infectionprevention? Learn the importance of our IPs in preventing infections: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rPk9XhA700 @APIC #IIPW |
Sample Instagram and Threads Posts
Please use the hashtag #IIPW and tag our APIC Instagram account in your posts.
| Learn more about the how we all can move the needle on infection prevention during International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 13-19! https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW24 |
| International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW), October 13-19, celebrates the importance of infection prevention and our brave IPs! Spread the love to the IPs preventing infections and illness across the world! https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW24 |
| The @apic_infection_prevention IP Staffing Calculator is here to support Infection Preventionists with staffing recommendations for various care settings. This beta version is just the start—contribute your data and help refine this vital tool! https://bit.ly/3Rz2THO #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| Make sure to check out all the free and downloadable resources, games, infographics (and more!) that @apic_infection_prevention has developed for #IIPW24! infectionpreventionandyou.org/iipw/ |
| During this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 13-19, 2024, @apic_infection_prevention is shifting into DRIVE and coming together to save lives and improve infection prevention outcomes worldwide. Learn more: infectionpreventionandyou.org/iipw/ #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| Have you herd…vaccines are safe! Keep your community healthy by believing the science and getting your shots! Learn more: https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/all-infographics/ #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| The APIC IP Staffing Calculator is here to support Infection Preventionists with staffing recommendations for various care settings. This beta version is just the start—contribute your data and help refine this vital tool! https://bit.ly/3Rz2THO #IIPW |
| “What IS an infection preventionist?” GREAT QUESTION! In short – IPs do a LOT! 😷 Who Are IPs?😷 Infection preventionists (IPs) are specially trained professionals, leaders, educators, and collaborators from diverse backgrounds, including nursing, public health, laboratory, and allied health fields. 💉 What Do IPs Do?🔬 IPs promote a culture of safety and impact the health of patients, workers, staff, and community members. Their advocacy and work extend throughout the organization and the community. 🤝 Who Do IPs Work With 🤝 Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Departments, Public Health, Community Partners, Regulatory Agencies, Professional Organizations, Industry, and more! Find out more and download this infographic from @apic_infection_prevention ▶️ https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/who-are-infection-preventionists/ |
| Who are IPs? Infection preventionists (IPs) are professionals who make sure healthcare workers and patients are doing all the things they should to prevent infections. Learn more about IPs: https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/who-are-infection-preventionists/ #IIPW @apic_infection_prevention |
| Stay sharp about sharps! APIC’s infographic is your go-to resource for safe disposal and handling practices. https://bit.ly/SharpsSafetyInfographic #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| Do you know the value of #infectionprevention? Learn the importance of our IPs in preventing infections, especially as the world fights emerging infections: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rPk9XhA700 @APIC_infection_prevention #IIPW |
| [XX Your Organization X] Is proud to partner with @apic_infection_prevention during #IIPW. This year’s theme is Celebrate the FUNdamentals of Infection Prevention. Learn more: www.apic.org/InfectionPreventionandYou #IIPW #IIPW24 |
| #IIPW 2024 is the perfect opportunity to see how APIC’s Emerging Infectious Disease Playbooks can boost your outbreak preparedness. Download now and stay ahead of the curve! https://bit.ly/Emerging_Infectious_Diseases #IIPW24 |
Share Gratitude during IIPW
Share gratitude with those around you during IIPW, or thank your IP for their hard work and celebrate them during IIPW! Download and share or print and send to share gratitude!
Send us an IIPW Postcard
This project is intended to display digital postcards during IIPW 2023 to learn more about infection prevention across the globe.
Pre-Written Materials
Introductory Letter Requesting Support from Your Facility
| Dear [Hospital/Facility/Organization PR Department], International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) takes place October 13-19, 2024, and is organized by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Because infection prevention is more important than ever in the battle against a global pandemic and to keep the world safe from healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks, this year’s theme is Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention. APIC wants to emphasize the role that individuals can play in the health and safety of their community by showcasing the science behind infection prevention, the importance of countering misinformation, and inspiring the world’s future IPs to join the fight. I’d like to ask you to join us in encouraging everybody—healthcare personnel, patients, and families—to celebrate the bravery and expertise of the infection prevention and control community during IIPW week! Here’s how you can help your facility recognize IPs during IIPW: -Highlight IIPW in the [Facility Name/Newsletter Title] newsletter Browse “IP & You Quick Updates” for pre-written infection prevention articles that can be repurposed and distributed to staff and the public throughout the year. -Share APIC’s “Who Are IPs” factsheet and infographic – Sample copy for newsletter articles, social media posts, and activities are included in the IIPW Toolkit and on the Infection Prevention and You website. Thank you for supporting IPs and patient safety during this year’s IIPW. Best, [Name, Title] |
Short Newsletter Articles
| International Infection Prevention Week is October 13-19, 2024 Organized by APIC, the theme for this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention” because infection prevention is needed now more than ever. Infection preventionists (IPs) work hard behind the scenes to keep healthcare workers and patients safe from COVID-19 and HAIs. Visit the IIPW website for downloadable infographics, social media posts, and more. Learn more. |
| Join us on Instagram for Instagram Stories Takeovers Join @apic_infection_prevention on Instagram from October 13 -19 for our 2024 series of Instagram takeovers presented by our very own Infection Preventionists. |
| International Infection Prevention Week is October 13-19 This year, the International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) theme is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” APIC is shifting into DRIVE and coming together to save lives and improve infection prevention outcomes worldwide! Join us to learn about getting back to the basics of infection prevention. Visit the APIC Infection Prevention and You website to learn more. |
| “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention” The theme for this year’s observance of International Infection Prevention Week, October 13-19, is “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) spearheads the commemoration of IIPW each year and has created a platform for IPs to share their COVID-19 experiences. Learn more. |
Who Are Infection Preventionists?
IPs keep patients and healthcare workers safe from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Share the following materials to help others understand how IPs help improve patient care and safety:
- Watch and share both our “Value of Infection Prevention” and “Infection Preventionists Save Lives” videos.
- Download and share the “Who Are Infection Preventionists” infographic.
About APIC and IIPW
About APIC
APIC’s vision is to create a safer world through prevention of infection. The association’s more than 15,000 members direct infection prevention programs that save lives and improve the bottom line for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future.
Visit APIC online at apic.org. Connect with APIC on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and YouTube!
For information on what patients and families can do, visit APIC’s Infection Prevention and You website at http://www.apic.org/InfectionPreventionandYou.
History of International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW)
IIPW, part of the Infection Prevention and You campaign, helps patients, families, and healthcare professionals better understand their role in preventing infections. Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, APIC has spearheaded the annual effort to highlight the importance of infection prevention among healthcare professionals, administrators, legislators, and consumers. Over the years, this week of recognition has vastly expanded to every corner of the globe. As the reach of IIPW widens, more patients benefit from safer healthcare practices and reduced threat of healthcare-associated infections.
Protecting Patients Everywhere
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 31 hospitalized patients get healthcare-associated infections each year in the United States. Not only does this cost the healthcare system billions in excess costs, but it also results in the deaths of 75,000 patients each year.
Preventing infection is our number one goal, whether care is delivered in a hospital, an outpatient clinic, or long-term care facility. Patients, families, and healthcare personnel all play an important role in influencing a patient’s health.