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
✨Alex Minero Shines at Loudoun’s First SNF Symposium
We are thrilled to celebrate Alexander Minero, the Northern Regional Infection Preventionist working on behalf of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). In November, Alex participated in Loudoun County’s very first Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Symposium. This inaugural event, held in partnership with Inova Loudoun Hospital, brought together skilled nursing facilities, hospital partners, and public health professionals to build stronger connections and spark meaningful conversations about shared challenges and successes.
Alex brought his signature energy and educator magic to the day, leading two engaging sessions. The first, “Standard Precautions, Contact Precautions, Enhanced Barrier Precautions, Oh My!” invited participants to test their knowledge through interactive techniques that kept everyone on their toes. His second session, “Infection Prevention and Control Assessments and Site Visits,” helped demystify the assessment process and gave facilities confidence to strengthen their infection prevention practices.
When asked about his preparation for the event, Alex shared, “I think prep is definitely key. I reviewed my slides several times and even timed myself. Also prepping for questions helps because you are not caught off guard.” That focus on readiness showed. Participants were learning, laughing, and leaning in the entire time.
What makes Alex shine is his commitment to hands-on learning. Whether he is facilitating a regional training, conducting education in English or Spanish, troubleshooting environment of care problems on a site visit, or supporting a facility with tricky infection prevention questions, he brings positivity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help teams succeed.
Thank you, Alex, for your enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication to the facilities you serve. Your support helps make our long-term care and healthcare communities stronger, safer, and better connected.
If your facility is interested in partnering with Alex or any of the VDH Regional Infection Preventionists, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/haiar/ip/
Cheers to you, Alex! Keep up the amazing work.
