November 18 Kicks Off
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) 2021
Spread the Word:
We Can Improve Antibiotic Prescribing & Use
Kick off U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) with CDC this Thursday, November 18!
Antibiotics can save lives and are critical tools for treating infections, including those that can lead to sepsis. However, any time antibiotics are used—in people, animals, or crops—they can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance (AR).
Spread the word about the importance of improving antibiotic and prescribing to:
Effectively treat infections
Protect patients from side effects caused by unnecessary and inappropriate use, such as Clostridioides difficile (or C. diff)
Combat AR, which can develop when antibiotics are used
AR continues to be a global public health threat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare professionals and partners can improve antibiotic use as the pandemic continues and beyond by taking dedicated action. We all have a role to play to keep patients safe and combat antibiotic resistance.
5 ways to join USAAW activities Nov. 18–24
1. Join the global Twitter Storm, Thursday, Nov. 18, 10-11 a.m. EST using the official hashtags #WAAW and #AntibioticResistance.
2. Share CDC’s social media and graphics and videos within your organization and on your handles, including CDC’s common illness graphics for patients.
3. Use and share educational resources in CDC’s Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit, including educational materials for patients and families and healthcare professionals.
4. Mark your calendars for upcoming webinars:
Nov. 17, 3-4 p.m. EST: CDC and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) webinar on enhancing antibiotic stewardship programs in critical access hospitals
Nov. 18, 2-3 p.m. EST: CDC’s Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call on what clinicians, pharmacists, and public health partners need to know about antibiotic prescribing and COVID-19
5. Check out the latest CDC materials and resources on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance:
Get Involved webpage to learn about more ways to participate in USAAW
Improving Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing: A Toolkit for Healthcare Payers
Antibiotic Prescribing and Stewardship During the COVID-19 Pandemic, a NEW Medscape Commentary
Antibiotic Use in the United States, 2021 update: Progress and Opportunities, the latest antibiotic use and stewardship report
Reported Tuberculosis (TB) in the United States, 2020, which reflects a uniquely challenging year for public health and the TB community, including the latest data on drug-resistant TB
Updated gonorrhea treatment, part of CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines, 2021, to guard against the threat of AR gonorrhea and ensure patients receive the most effective treatment
o FREE Updated STI provider resources can be downloaded or ordered
Join U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week Nov 18-24 & help spread the word about the importance of appropriate antibiotic use and the threat of #AntibioticResistance. Learn more: http://bit.ly/35zqDmq #USAAW21
