Virginia Infection Prevention & Control Training Alliance (VIPTA)
VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group.Through partnership, VIPTAcurates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
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.
Provides recommendations for travelers who are going to a country with ongoing human-to-human clade I mpox virus transmission. Provides clinicians and public health practitioners with recommendations to implement during travel health visits to mitigate the risk to travelers visiting countries with ongoing human-to-human clade I mpox virus transmission.
Describes the key framework and actions that can be implemented to improve diagnoses for hospitalized patients. The guidance includes diagnostic stewardship considerations for urine culture and C. difficile tests which align with infection prevention recommendations.
Eligible acute care and critical access hospitals have two module options for reporting AUR data to the NHSN AUR Module to meet the CMS requirements for calendar year 2024. Find more information about these modules in the NHSN Newsletter and AUR Reporting FAQs on the NHSN website.
Recommendations for the use of 2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in people ages 12 years and older Updated guidance in the Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines section and in Appendix B on completion of an initial vaccination series if vaccine doses from different manufacturers are administered in certain circumstance.
During the August 2024 meeting, the committee provided brief updates from three of HICPAC’s workgroups: Isolation Precautions, Dental Unit Waterlines, and Infection Control in Healthcare Personnel. A recap of the meeting and what was specifically covered can be reviewed on the CDC’s Blog.
This month in Cheers for Peers, we would like to spotlight a few of the 2024 board members of the Virginia chapter of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC Virginia).
MAI JATTA, APIC Virginia President
Facility: Carilion Clinic
Why did you get into infection prevention? As someone who contemplated going into public health but ultimately decided to go into nursing, the role of the infection preventionist perfectly combined my interests. The IP role has allowed me to use my nursing skills and knowledge while also acquiring and applying public health principles to promote and advance patient safety.
What do you love about being part of APIC? APIC provides resources and a wide network of support for IPs. Through APIC, I have met and learned from a wide variety of experts in the field. I am most grateful for the relationships I have been able to establish and build, gaining mentors and colleagues in the field. Having resources and a network of support is pivotal to success in infection prevention efforts.
Fun fact about yourself! I am a subtle food connoisseur.
MARKO PREDIC, APIC Virginia Membership Secretary
Facility HCA Capital Division – Corporate
Why did you get into infection prevention? The ability to make the greatest impact for a wide range of patients.
What do you love about being part of APIC? APIC is a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who are working towards a common goal- improving patient outcomes. We share in our successes and failures and celebrate ingenuity.
Fun fact about yourself! I was a college rower for 4 years at the University of Florida.
CINDY TAYLOR, APIC Virginia 1st Year Director
Facility: UVA Health (acute care hospital, more than 100 outpatient clinics)
Why did you get into infection prevention? By default, like most of us. The job needed doing and I was assigned the work.
What do you love about being part of APIC? Networking with members, assisting each other with problem solving or just sharing IP stories.
Fun fact about yourself! I once traveled to NYC on a private jet! We were met at the airport by a limousine and escorted for a day of Christmas shopping at Manhattan’s finest stores, including Tiffany’s!
CHARMAYNE FLOWERS, APIC Virginia Recording Secretary
Facility: Hampton VA Medical Center
Why did you get into infection prevention? I’ve always been fascinated by diseases and the different types of organisms and wanted to learn what I could do to protect my patients and community.
What do you love about being part of APIC? I got to become a part of another family who supports and nurtures each other in our profession.
Fun fact about yourself! Although I don’t have much time for it nowadays, I love to dance.
EBONI CRAWFORD, APIC Virginia Treasurer
Facility: Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Why did you get into infection prevention? Learned of the profession during my time with the Florida Department of Health and fell in love!
What do you love about being part of APIC? I love being part of such a supportive team – both professionally and personally.
Fun fact about yourself! I love all things stickers and creative journaling/planning!
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.
