International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) aims to shine a light on the infection prevention profession each year. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention.”
- Share messages about IIPW in your newsletters and via social media.
- Download our infographic posters and logos and web buttons.
- View day-by-day content, fun ideas, Wordle and more
- Download and play the IIPW Jeopardy game
Gear up for IIPW
Celebrate IIPW with APIC’s new merchandise. There is something for everyone: facemasks, t-shirts, tumblers, car magnets, pens, bags and totes, and more! View available merchandise that never goes out of style.
IIPW: Get Started
Infection prevention and control has always been an important part of public health and safety. Help us celebrate the FUNdamentals of infection prevention this year and every year! Ready to participate in IIPW? Here are a few easy ways to get involved.
New for IPs! Day-by-Day FUNdamentals Content to Educate Your Teams
-Daily fun activities to try
-Daily IIPW Wordle Game
-Daily Gratitude affirmations
New! IIPW Postcards and Send a Gratitude Message
-Find more within the promotional toolkit
–Send us a postcard
-Share gratitude: printable version or digital version
New! JeoPARODY Game for IIPW
Download and play an interactive game of IIPW JeoPARODY to celebrate 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!
Stay in the infection prevention loop: Connect with APIC on the platform formerly known as Twitter/Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Social Media Posts to Share
APIC has sample Facebook posts, the platform formerly known as Twitter posts, and Instagram posts that you can use at any time to show your support for IPs during IIPW.
Follow APIC on the platform formerly known as Twitter /Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Sample Facebook Posts
Please use the hashtag #IIPW and tag our APIC Facebook account in your posts.
| International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW), October 15-21, 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: www.apic.org/InfectionPreventionandYou #IIPW23 |
| During this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) October 15-21, 2023, APIC celebrates the fundamentals of infection prevention and the basics that keep us all safe. Learn more: https://bit.ly/IIPW2023 #IIPW #IIPW23 |
| Think you have what it takes to be an infection preventionist? Learn more about the world’s IPs during #IIPW #IIPW23 www.infectionpreventionandyou.org/infection-prevention-basics/learn-more-about-ips/ |
| Learn more about the science behind infection prevention and its importance in keeping the world safe from pandemics like #COVID19. Follow @APIC on Facebook for the most up-to-date information during #IIPW: www.facebook.com/APICInfectionPreventionandYou |
| 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 the FUNdamentals of infection prevention by celebrating International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 15-21 with us! https://bit.ly/IIPW2023 #IIPW23 |
| APIC has polls and quizzes available to test your #infectionprevention knowledge. Challenge your friends and colleagues to a battle of the germy wits. #IIPW http://infectionpreventionandyou.org/get-social/online-resources/ |
| [XX Your Organization XX] Is proud to partner with @APIC during #IIPW. This year’s theme is Celebrate the FUNdamentals of Infection Prevention. Learn more: https://bit.ly/IIPW2023 #IIPW #IIPW23 |
| Do you know the value of #infectionprevention? Learn the importance of preventing these infections and spread the love to our IPs. #IIPW www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rPk9XhA700 |
Sample platform formerly known as Twitter Posts
Please use the hashtag #IIPW and tag our APIC X account in your tweets.
| #Infectionprevention starts with you, but it takes a vaccinated community to protect the herd! Learn more with @APIC during #IIPW October 15-21: https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW), October 15-21, 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 15-21. Keep informed about #IIPW23 : https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| Show your support for #infectionprevention and our warrior IPs by participating in #IIPW this year (October 15-21)! #IIPW23 https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| During this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) October 15-21, 2023, APIC celebrates the fundamentals of infection prevention and the basics that keep us all safe. Learn more: https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW #IIPW23 |
| “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 Celebrate the FUNdamentals of Infection Prevention. Learn more:https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW #IIPW23 |
| Think you have what it takes to be an infection preventionist? Learn more about the world’s IPs during #IIPW #IIPW23 www.infectionpreventionandyou.org/infection-prevention-basics/learn-more-about-ips/ |
| Learn more about the FUNdamentals of infection prevention by celebrating International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 15-21 with us! https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW23 |
| 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 |
| Flex your #infectionprevention muscles with these quizzes. #IIPW http://infectionpreventionandyou.org/get-social/online-resources/ |
| 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 Posts
Please use the hashtag #IIPW and tag our APIC Instagram account in your posts.
| Learn more about the FUNdamentals of infection prevention by celebrating International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 15-21 with us! https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW23 |
| International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW), October 15-21, celebrates the importance of infection prevention and our brave IPs! Spread the love to the IPs fighting back #COVID19. #MakeYourIntentionInfectionPrevention https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ |
| Learn more about the science behind #infectionprevention and its importance in keeping the world safe from pandemics like #COVID19. Follow APIC on Instagram during #IIPW for the most up-to-date information: www.instagram.com/apic_infection_prevention/ |
| Show your support for #infectionprevention and our warrior IPs by participating in #IIPW this year (October 15-21)! www.apic.org/InfectionPreventionandYou |
| During this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (#IIPW) October 15-21, 2023, APIC celebrates the fundamentals of infection prevention and the basics that keep us all safe. Learn more: https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/ #IIPW23 |
| 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/ |
| Think you have what it takes to be an infection preventionist? Learn more about the world’s IPs during #IIPW #MakeYourIntentionInfectionPrevention https://infectionpreventionandyou.org/infection-prevention-basics/learn-more-about-ips/ |
| “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/ |
| 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 |
| Flex your #infectionprevention muscles with these quizzes #IIPW: http://infectionpreventionandyou.org/get-social/online-resources/ |
| 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 during #IIPW. This year’s theme is Celebrate the FUNdamentals of Infection Prevention. Learn more:www.apic.org/InfectionPreventionandYou #IIPW #IIPW23 |
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 15-21, 2023, 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 Celebrate the Fundamentals of 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 to inspire 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 the infection prevention and control community has shown before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 15-21, 2023 Organized by APIC, the theme for this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) is “Celebrate the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention” because infection prevention basics are needed now more than ever. Infection preventionists (IPs) have worked hard behind the scenes to keep healthcare workers and patients safe from COVID-19 and HAIs. Visit the IIPW website for free COVID-19 factsheets, social media posts, and more. Learn more. |
| Join us on Instagram for Instagram Stories Takeovers Join @apic_infection_prevention on Instagram from October 16 -20 for our 2023 series of Instagram takeovers presented by our very own Infection Preventionists. Learn more. |
| International Infection Prevention Week is October 15-21 This year, the International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) theme is “Celebrate the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention.” We’d like everyone to remember and celebrate the basics of infection prevention: hand hygiene, proper PPE use, the importance of vaccination, cleaning and disinfection principles, respiratory etiquette, and injection safety! Join us to learn about getting back to the basics of infection prevention. Visit the APIC Infection Prevention and You website to learn more. |
| “Celebrate the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention” The theme for this year’s observance of International Infection Prevention Week, October 15-21, is “Celebrate the Fundamentals of 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. |
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 nearly 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. Follow APIC on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, :LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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.