By: Devin Jopp, Ed.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) 

As we enter another respiratory virus season, the perennial challenge of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 will once again impact patients and strain health care system resources. At the same time, hospitals must remain vigilant in their fight against health care-associated infections (HAIs), which continue to pose serious risks to patient safety and drive up health care costs. 

In this landscape, the role of infection preventionists (IPs) remains pivotal. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), is the leading organization representing infection preventionists (IPs) worldwide. With nearly 15,000 members across all 50 US states and more than 70 countries, APIC supports IPs who protect patients and communities by identifying sources of infection and implementing evidence-based strategies to prevent and control the spread of harmful pathogens. 

These professionals are the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to protect patients, staff, and communities from infectious threats. Their expertise in evidence-based practices, rapid response, and surveillance forms the backbone of our health care safety net. Whether it’s implementing isolation protocols, monitoring outbreaks, or educating staff, IPs are essential to maintaining a safe care environment. 

Yet despite their critical role, IPs often operate with limited resources and support. Hospitals must recognize that investing in infection prevention is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Leaders must ensure adequate staffing of IPs and empower them with the resources and authority needed to do their jobs effectively. This includes access to data, decision-making platforms, and integration into leadership discussions. 

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control revealed a direct correlation between inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) staffing levels and higher HAI rates. According to the article, “A key finding was the correlation between staffing levels and infection outcomes (CAUTI, CLABSI, C. difficile, and colon SSI).” These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored staffing solutions to enhance patient safety and reduce preventable harm. 

In addition to adequate IP staffing, vaccination remains one of the most powerful tools in the infection prevention arsenal. It protects patients and health care workers alike, reduces transmission, and safeguards our most vulnerable populations. When health care professionals are vaccinated, they create a safer environment for everyone—from immunocompromised patients to the broader community. Vaccination also helps reduce absenteeism among health care workers, ensuring continuity of care during peak seasons. 

However, the effectiveness of vaccination policies hinges on public trust—and that trust is under siege. Misinformation spreads faster than truth, especially on social media, where false claims about vaccines are amplified and politicized. This erosion of confidence has real consequences: declining coverage, rising outbreaks, and increased strain on health care systems. Alarmingly, some states have taken the extraordinary step of loosening or eliminating vaccination policies for certain populations, undermining our ability to reach herd immunity. 

The challenge is not just scientific—it’s cultural and increasingly political. We must not equivocate: vaccines work, and they are crucial to the health of our society. No single group or person can address this alone. We need federal and state policymakers to champion strong vaccine policies and collaborate with associations and health care leaders to amplify the message. Health care organizations must also invest in clear, consistent communication strategies to counter misinformation and build public confidence. 

Beyond staffing and vaccination, we must also prioritize innovation and research in infection prevention and public health. The challenges we face—from emerging pathogens to evolving misinformation—require more than reactive measures. They demand novel approaches that can be derived through research. 

Supporting research can lead to new insights into infection control strategies, diagnostic tools, and vaccine development. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), we have an opportunity to innovate at a pace never seen before. In the world of infection prevention, this means better data analytics and advances in real-time surveillance—translating into improved patient outcomes and greater health care system efficiency. 

Research and innovation require funding, and policymakers are crucial in helping support this work that the private sector cannot shoulder alone. This includes investing in research grants, supporting pilot programs, and fostering partnerships between clinical teams, academic institutions, and public health agencies. 

We live in a time of both challenge and opportunity. Health care leaders must step forward to ensure that infection prevention and control staff and resources are in place to keep patients and healthcare workers safe. Federal and state policymakers must directly combat the scourge of misinformation and strengthen vaccine policies—while also ensuring that public funds are made available to fuel innovation through research. The health of our communities depends on our collective resolve. 

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is a member of the National Health Council. Dr. Devin Jopp also serves on the NHC Board of Directors.