Policy Updates

The AHRQ Safety Program for Telemedicine: Improving Antibiotic Use is recruiting primary and urgent care practices and retail clinics that use telemedicine for a no-cost, 18-month national program to strengthen antibiotic prescribing practices. Learn more about how to participate in this program.

The next CDC Antimicrobial Resistance Exchange webinar, “Impacts of Antimicrobial Resistance on Cancer Care,” will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m ET. Learn more and register for the exchange.

In November, 2023, the FDA warned consumers, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities not to use recalled saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and sterile water medical products manufactured by Nurse Assist, LLC, and sold under various brands because they may not be sterile. Recalled products were sold under the following brands: Nurse Assist, Cardinal, Covidien, Halyard Owens … Continued

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has honored a request by Masprot S.C., EI. LTDA to voluntarily rescind eight NIOSH respirator approvals issued to Masprot S.C., EI. LTDA. As of February 13, 2024, any respirator bearing the following approval numbers may no longer be used, manufactured, assembled, sold, or distributed: TC-23C-1918, TC-84A-2749, TC-84A-2864, … Continued

Read Valentine’s Day tips from NIOSH to ensure that you and your respirator are the perfect match.

Although mpox cases in the US have significantly declined since the outbreak peak in 2022, small clusters and severe manifestations continue to occur. The CDC encourages providers to remain diligent about recommending the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to those who are eligible to help reduce the risk of continued mpox transmission. Read more.

The World Health Organization (WHO) extended the deadline for participation in its multi-level, global survey on implementation of minimum requirements for IPC at the national and healthcare facility levels. The new deadline is March 10. Facilities may participate through the WHO IPC Portal. Learn more.

New data from CDC show that the updated COVID-19 vaccines were effective against COVID-19 during September 2023 – January 2024, including against variants from the XBB lineage, which is included in the updated vaccine, and JN.1, a new variant that has become dominant in recent weeks. Read more.

The CDC released the latest version of its antimicrobial resistance (AR) investment map, highlighting CDC’s funding to combat the US and global AR threat. In FY 2023, the agency invested in detection, containment, prevention, and innovation projects in every U.S. state and over 20 other countries. Explore the updated AR investment map.