CDC Highlights Antibiotic Awareness Week

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging healthcare organizations to improve their use of antibiotic medications through U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, which takes place this week through November 18.

At least 30% of the antibiotics in U.S. outpatient settings are prescribed unnecessarily, according to the CDC. Annually, at least 2 million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and 23,000 people die as a result.

As part of the week’s activities, the CDC is hosting a webinar called “5 Ways Pharmacists Can Be Antibiotics Aware” on November 13 at 1 p.m. Eastern, which will include a discussion of how pharmacists can employ effective antibiotic stewardship strategies in acute care settings.

The CDC is also urging facilities to take advantage of the tools provided on its Antibiotic Prescribing and Use web page, which is available to help improve prescribing practices. Handouts and posters are available to print and share with patients and healthcare providers.

Similar efforts are underway to raise antibiotic awareness in Europe, Australia, Canada, and worldwide through World Antibiotic Awareness Week.