Policy

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has revised its long-standing recommendation for universal infant hepatitis B vaccination, shifting to an individualized, parent–provider decision-making model for babies born to hepatitis B–negative mothers. The change sparked intense debate among committee members.

Infection prevention has outgrown the idea that only bedside nurses belong in the role. Today’s IP work is epidemiology, data science, quality, and systems leadership—yet non-RN experts are still told they “don’t belong.” It is time to broaden the pipeline and value competence over a single professional credential and experience.

Whooping cough is surging across West Virginia just as vaccine misinformation and new exemption policies erode one of the state’s most reliable defenses against the disease, leaving infants and other high-risk residents increasingly vulnerable.

“We believe it is essential to reaffirm what decades of rigorous research have already demonstrated. Vaccines do not cause autism," a statement from SIDP, APIC, and HOPA stated, released this morning (Nov 21, 2025).

COVID-19 is back on the wastewater radar, but this fall’s bump does not look like a menacing new variant, says UMN infectious-diseases physician Matthew Pullen, MD. As CDC shifts to “shared decision-making” for vaccination—a move critics warn could slow access—his guidance stays simple: stay home when sick, and get the shot you can get now.

As the days get colder, with CDC’s school guidance, now is the time for schools to double down on air quality, hygiene, and infection prevention to protect students and staff.

Without stable, science-driven leadership at the CDC, patient safety and public trust hang in the balance. Infection preventionists must demand accountability and champion evidence-based guidance now.

In a historic Senate hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced bipartisan fury over vaccine misinformation, as public health leaders demanded his resignation to protect science and safety.

A joint statement from leading medical and public health groups calling for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s resignation underscores the urgent need for infection preventionists to defend science-driven care and safeguard community health.

With Florida becoming the first state to eliminate all vaccine mandates, infection preventionists face mounting challenges in safeguarding communities against vaccine-preventable outbreaks.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis wrote in his resignation letter: "Having worked in local and national public health for years, I have never experienced such radical non-transparency, nor have I seen such unskilled manipulation of data to achieve a political end rather than the good of the American people. Enough is enough.”

As hospitals turn to UVC technology to combat health care-associated infections, a new FDA mandate is changing the game—requiring formal authorization for devices that claim to reduce microbial contamination. For infection preventionists and health care leaders, understanding this regulatory shift is now essential to protecting patients and ensuring compliance.

Clear communication is not just important in a pandemic—it’s everything. In a preview of his upcoming Health Watch USA presentation, William Schaffner, MD, shares lessons from COVID-19 on building trust, keeping messages simple, and acknowledging uncertainty.

Join global leaders in infection prevention, pandemic response, and public health strategy at the Health Watch USA 20th Annual Conference. This is your chance to gain actionable insights on emerging pathogens, vaccine misinformation, and antibiotic resistance, while earning CE credits at no cost. Don’t wait; Be part of the solution.

The HHS has launched a $100 million pilot program to eliminate hepatitis C in high-risk populations, an effort that infection prevention professionals can help shape by extending control strategies beyond hospital walls and into underserved communities.

In a decision heavy with consequence and light on foresight, the US has once again chosen to walk away from UNESCO, leaving behind not just a seat at the table, but a legacy of global scientific leadership that now lies in question.

This Hot Topics for IPC covers the latest on ASPR, AMR, vaccines, and a study on AMR and livestock manure from Michigan State University.

In its first major session under newly appointed leadership, the revamped Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to support flu and RSV vaccinations for the 2025–2026 season, but internal debate over vaccine preservatives, access equity, and risk assessment highlighted the ideological and scientific tensions now shaping federal vaccine policy.

As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.

This Hot Topics for IPC covers the latest on ACIP, vaccines, and a study on contact precautions for MRSA.

Health leaders are outraged after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly fired all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, calling it a political purge that threatens public trust and vaccine safety.

As federal cuts reshape public health, students nationwide are reacting with fear, frustration, and renewed resolve as they face an uncertain future in the field.

Policy changes made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr as the HHS Secretary are alarming health care providers, including changes in water fluoridization, COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, and more.

This issue covers COVID-19, measles, H5N1, screwworms, bedbugs, AI, and more.