
SIDP is proud to participate in U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW). Infectious Diseases Pharmacists are integral members of the healthcare team, working to prevent antibiotic resistance so that everyone can have access to safe and effective antibiotics for now and the future.
What is Antibiotic Awareness Week?Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual one-week observance that gives organizations and healthcare professionals an opportunity to highlight the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. Globally, this is recognized as World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 2.8 million people in the United States develop an antibiotic-resistant infection, leading to more than 35,000 deaths each year. The misuse of antibiotics is a major driver of antibiotic resistance. Data have shown that 30-50% of all antibiotics in hospital settings and at least 28% of those prescribed in emergency departments or doctor's offices are unnecessary. What is Antibiotic Resistance?When bacteria develop the ability to grow despite being exposed to the antibiotics developed to kill them, this is called antimicrobial resistance. Infections due to these resistant organisms are often more difficult and costly to treat. Data from the CDC show that six of the most common antibiotic-resistant infections increased by a combined 20% from 2019 to 2022. What is "Be Antibiotics Aware"?The Be Antibiotics Aware campaign was developed by the CDC to educate healthcare professionals, patients and families to use antibiotics judiciously to help limit the development of antibiotic resistance. The CDC has developed a library of tools and materials to support education and raise awareness. These are available at: www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/. |
Celebrate Antibiotic Awareness Week 2026 |
Help us spread the word about Antibiotic Awareness Week on social media for your chance to win a prize! |
![]() | ● Comment on SIDP’s post: Tell us how you protect antimicrobials or simply comment “protect” for an entry into the giveaway ● Reshare the post or add to your story for another entry into the giveaway Antimicrobial stewardship is our shared responsibility - let’s share our everyday actions and commitments to protect antimicrobials! Check back for more information about Antibiotic Awareness Week educational opportunities! |
SIDP Clinician Spotlight for Antibiotic Awareness Week 2026 |
Check back for Antibiotic Awareness Week 2026 clinician blogs!
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SIDP has a number of resources to help support antimicrobial stewardship and education about antibiotic resistance. These include:
Previous Antibiotic Awareness Week Content from SIDP