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.
❄️’Tis the Season…for Flu Prevention
Viral respiratory season is here, settling in right alongside the colder weather. National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 1–5) reminds us that there’s still time to get vaccinated and stay ahead of the flu. Especially with the holidays approaching fast, an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older is still the best way to keep flu from putting a damper on your winter season.
What to Expect
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) Flu Resources – ‘Wild to Mild’ flu campaign, posters, graphics, and videos
- VDH Respiratory Illnesses Resources – “Little Things” campaign, flyers, and social media graphics
How to Use It
- Make it visible. Print NFID “Wild to Mild” posters or VDH “Little Things” graphics for breakrooms, waiting rooms, or bulletin boards.
- Share it forward. Include links or images in your facility newsletter, onboarding packets, or weekly staff updates.
- Use data to drive action. Review local flu activity together and discuss how your facility can stay prepared as the season evolves.
Target Audience: Essential IPC Education Level
Bug Busters!
This month, we are featuring the UVA Health Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) team and their Bug Busters program!
Attending the IP Roadshow with Ginger Vanhoozer from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) inspired Julianna Felsher, Jim Hovanec, Ann Sidebottom, and Fati Craighead to bring fun infection prevention and control education to acute care at UVA Health University Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In August 2024, the IP&C team launched a mobile poster board initiative to deliver timely, engaging education across units. The cart (with candy, of course!) features rotating content on key topics like catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), and other relevant infection prevention efforts. Each section is updated monthly, with educational materials attached via Velcro® for easy customization. The team spends about 30 minutes per unit, giving staff the flexibility to engage around their clinical duties. Creative themes–such as December’s festive “Grinch Busters”–help draw attention and boost participation.
Bug Busters has been very well received by the staff who have commented on how much they love the colorfulness of the board, the informal setting, and of course, the candy! The casual nature of education encourages staff to ask questions that they may not have realized they even had. They have even had departments such as wound care ask how they can create their own education programs just like this one.
Thank you to the UVA Health IP&C team for sharing your program with us and helping our readers find creative ways to bring education to the masses!
