Virginia Infection Prevention & Control Training Alliance (VIPTA)

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VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group.  Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.

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Is it Really a Penicillin Allergy?

Did you know that 10% of U.S. patients report a penicillin allergy, but fewer than 1% are actually allergic? Taking the time to clarify whether a penicillin allergy is real or not can make a big difference in patient care. As we approach U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW), November 18-24, it’s the perfect opportunity to confirm if that reported allergy is accurate.

By doing so, healthcare providers can help reduce the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics—lowering healthcare costs and decreasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. A simple conversation or assessment can go a long way!

Ready to take action? Here are some helpful resources to get started:

  • Penicillin Allergy Education: The CDC’s flyer “Is it Really a Penicillin Allergy?” provides key insights for healthcare professionals on the importance of evaluating reported penicillin allergies.
  • Allergy Assessment Tool: The AHRQ tool helps clinicians safely evaluate reported penicillin allergies, supporting accurate diagnosis and improved patient care.
  • CDC Toolkit for USAAW: Use the toolkit and daily themes to inspire your activities throughout Antibiotic Awareness Week.

Target Audience: Intermediate IPC education level

Guidance & Regulation Updates

VIPTA members track guidance and regulation resources to share source documents that guide infection prevention and control practices for public health staff and clinical and non-clinical healthcare personnel.

The date of the regulation or guidance update is included in each post.  Please check linked content to be sure it is the most up to date and recommended practice.

VDH: Clinician Letter – Measles Outbreak Expansion and Back-to-School Immunizations (6/26/2026)
VDH
Acute Care Hospital
Ambulatory (Outpatient) Care
Department of Health
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Pediatric / NICU
Emergency Preparedness & Operations
Vaccination
Clinician Letter: Measles Outbreak Expansion and Back-to-School Immunizations (6/26/2026) The Virginia Department of Health announced that the Buckingham County measles outbreak has expanded to Cumberland County. Review the expanded outbreak vaccination recommendations, encourage patients to stay up to date on immunizations before the school year, and immediately report suspected or confirmed measles cases to your local health department.
VDH: Clinician Letter – Public Health Updates on Measles, Ebola Preparedness, and Travel-Associated Illnesses (6/03/2026)
VDH
Acute Care Hospital
Ambulatory (Outpatient) Care
Department of Health
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Pediatric / NICU
Emergency Preparedness & Operations
Vaccination
Clinician Letter: Public Health Updates on Measles, Ebola Preparedness, and Travel-Associated Illnesses (6/03/2026) This clinician letter provides updates on rising measles activity, Ebola preparedness, and travel-associated illnesses. Protect patients and staff by maintaining a high index of suspicion, assessing travel history, following infection control guidance, ensuring vaccination coverage, and promptly reporting suspected cases to your local health department.
APIC: New Toolkit to Address Problematic Manufacturer Instructions for Use for Non‑Critical Devices (5/08/2026)
APIC
Any Practice Setting
Department of Health
Quality Improvement
Regulatory Compliance
New Toolkit to Address Problematic Manufacturer Instructions for Use for Non‑Critical Devices: This toolkit provides practical strategies and resources to help healthcare professionals address problems with manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) for non-critical medical devices. It supports infection preventionists in safely reprocessing devices when IFUs are unclear, incomplete, or difficult to follow.  *Access this resource with a free APIC account.

Celebrating Patty Bracy’s Creative Leadership in Infection Prevention Education

Patty Bracy, Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Manager at Eastern State Hospital, continues to raise the bar for engaging education in behavioral health settings. At the hospital’s Quality Expo, she showcased not only her expertise, but also her creativity and commitment to making infection prevention meaningful for every staff member.
Using the Expo’s Pi Day theme, Patty transformed infection prevention core concepts and data into an interactive learning experience. Staff from nursing, administration, central office, IT, environmental services, and physicians visited Expo stations, collecting stickers that earned them pie and coffee.
Patty’s display blended clear, relevant data with hands-on activities covering hand hygiene, N95 fit testing, isolation precautions, mask types, regulated medical waste disposal, and distinguishing urinary tract infections from asymptomatic bacteriuria. She incorporated puzzles, question cards, and other bite-sized learning tools that made complex topics approachable. The board was so effective that it’s now being used for roving education throughout the hospital.
Attendees stayed engaged and asked thoughtful questions, proof that her approach resonated. Patty shared how much she enjoys her role and collaborating across departments, and with the support of her leadership, continues to grow professionally, recently earning her LTC-CIP certification!

Tools and Tips to Get Started
Patty’s Go-To Resources

Patty’s Tips to Get Started

  1. Choose a theme that’s fun, timely, or relevant to your audience.
  2. Pair data with interaction – puzzles, quizzes, stickers, or small challenges keep people moving and learning.
  3. Use bite-sized education so staff can engage quickly without feeling overwhelmed.
  4. Invite multiple departments to create a sense of community and shared purpose.
  5. Repurpose your materials for ongoing education after the event.

IPC Education & Training Library

Search the VIPTA library of curated infection prevention and control (IPC) education and training resources. The IPC Education & Training Resource Library includes state and national resources related to healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance and/or IPC. Visit the VIPTA FAQ page to learn more about VIPTA library content.

 

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