ADVANCE infectious diseases pharmacy through collaboration, research and education and LEAD antimicrobial stewardship to OPTIMIZE the care of patients with infections in every practice setting


SIDP is proud to participate in Antibiotic Awareness Week. Infectious Diseases Pharmacists are an integral member of the healthcare team, working to promote judicious use of antibiotics to limit development of resistance. 

What is Antibiotic Awareness Week?

Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual one-week observance that gives participating organizations an opportunity to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. In the US, this week was previously called Get Smart Week. Globally this is recognized as World Antibiotic Awareness week.

At least 2 million people each year become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the United States. The single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance is the use of antibiotics. Data have shown that up to 50% of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are potentially unnecessary or not optimally effective as prescribed. 

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

When microbes are able to resist the effects of drugs, this is called antibiotic resistance. This resistance allows the microbe to grow and not be killed by the drug. Infections due to these resistant organisms are often more difficult and costly to treat. 

What is "Be Antibiotics Aware"?

The Be Antibiotics Aware campaign was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate healthcare professionals, patients and families to use antibiotics judiciously to help limit the development of antibiotic resistance. CDC has developed a library of tools and educational materials to support education and raise awareness. These are available on the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.

What resources does SIDP have for Antibiotic Awareness Week?

SIDP has a number of resources to help support antimicrobial stewardship and education about antibiotic resistance. These include:

  • Antimicrobial Stewardship Advocacy Toolkit
    • Information for healthcare providers on ways to contribute to antimicrobial stewardship and educate patients on appropriate use and safety of antibiotics
  • SIDP Education Center (SIDPEC)
    • SIDPEC is an online web portal for accredited continuing education for health professionals
  • Position Statements
    • Essential Role of Pharmacists in Antibiotic Stewardship Programs in Long Term Care Facilities
    • Role of Pharmacists in Antibiotic Stewardship in the Emergency Department
    • Agricultural Applications for Antimicrobials
    • Role of Pharmacists in Antibiotic Stewardship
    • Role of Pharmacists in Outpatient Stewardship
    • Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacists in the Use of Rapid Diagnostic Testing in Acute Care
  • Training Programs
    • SIDP Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate for Acute Care 
    • SIDP/ASCP Long-Term Care Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate
    • Support for ID Pharmacotherapy Specialty Residency Training
  • Guidance Documents Endorsed by SIDP
    • Guidance for the Knowledge and Skills Required for Antimicrobial Stewardship Leaders
    • Therapeutic Monitoring of Vancomycin in Adult Patients: a consensus review of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists
    • Vancomycin Therapeutic Guidelines: A Summary of Consensus Recommendations from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists
  • Other Educational Resources
    • SIDP Annual Meeting, with continuing education presentations on important topics in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy and antimicrobial resistance
    • SIDP Newsletter
    • SIDP Twitter chats
    • SIDP Co-Organized Sessions at many national conferences including IDWeek, SHEA, and ASHP
    • SIDP Co-Sponsored Webinars
  • Networking Opportunities
    • SIDP committee activities
    • List-serve/Forum
    • Annual meeting
    • Receptions at Annual Meeting, ASM Microbe
  • Research Support
    • Grant support for innovative research projects in infectious diseases to optimize antimicrobial use and limit development of resistance


SIDP Features for Antibiotic Awareness Week 2023


    The Pharmacist's Role in Combating Antibiotic Resistance

    SIDP Clinician Spotlight for Antibiotic Awareness Week

    U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is November 18th-24th. During this observance, SIDP is highlighting pharmacists who promote optimal antibiotic use and combat the threat of antibiotic resistance in impactful and innovative ways. 

    Previous Antibiotic Awareness Week Content from SIDP


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