A look at where we were before moving ahead in infection prevention sales.
By Paul Girouard
Happy 2025! This is the time to reflect on the previous year, adjust, and jump into the new year. As we look back on 2024, there were several pivotal events that occurred that directly impact infection prevention, many for years to come:
New CDC Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a draft of the 2024 “Guideline to Prevent Transmission of Pathogens in Healthcare Settings.” This is an update of the previous guidelines from 2007 and with changes addressing what we have learned through the pandemic. The guideline provides updates on pathogen transmission, particularly airborne spread, revises recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other infection control measures. The CDC guidelines are written to address emerging pathogens and look beyond the facility and into the impacted communities. For more information go to cdc.gov.
COVID-19 update
COVID-19 continues to be a challenge globally. Reports from November 2024 estimate the total number of cases recorded since the beginning of the pandemic have impacted over 776 million worldwide. It is estimated that over 17 million doses of the 2024-2025 vaccine have been administered in the United States through October. Cases have been under reported due to asymptomatic infections, changes in reporting, and limited testing. For more information go to covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker.
Measles outbreak
In 2024, the CDC reported a significant rise in measle cases. Contributing factors to the outbreak have been declining vaccination rates. As of November, 277 cases had been reported, 89% of the cases were tied to those who were unvaccinated, or unknown vaccination status. In 2024 the vaccination of kindergartners in the U.S. fell to 92.7%. The previous rate was above 95%. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of MMR vaccine, which historically has been highly effective in preventing the spread of measles.
Want to learn more? Go to cdc.gov/measles.
Tariffs impacting chinese imports
In September 2024, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) finalized action on Chinese tariffs. Due to timing, this will have a greater impact on infection control products in 2025; particularly face masks, medical gloves, and syringes/needles. In 2025, tariffs on face masks will increase no less than 25%, syringes/needles will increase no less than 50%. In 2026, medical gloves will increase no less than 25%. These tariffs are creating an immediate impact on all glove pricing, location of production, supply/demand, and strain on the supply-chain from factory to the end-user. To stay updated on tariffs, check out ustr.gov.
New administration
No matter the political party, when there is a change in presidential administration there will be impacts on infection prevention strategies. Policy direction, resource allocations, and administration policies will be affected. It is early in the process. As I am writing this, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS oversees key agencies such as the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There will be changes.
Looking forward
I am optimistic about the future of the infection prevention category. The increase in demand for key areas within the category continues. Clinicians will always look to quality brands that provide safety and security. Staffing in all areas of our industry continues to change. Because of this, there continues to be a need for education, training, and clinical support. We all need to rise to the challenge and have a healthy 2025. Wash your hands first.
Measles cases increasing globally
Measles isn’t just an issue that the U.S. is dealing with. Worldwide, there were an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022, according to new estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inadequate immunization coverage globally is driving the surge in cases.
Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles vaccine; yet more than 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023, the CDC said. Globally, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose of measles vaccine last year, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.
Coverage of 95% or greater of two doses of measles vaccine is needed in each country and community to prevent outbreaks and protect populations from one of the world’s most contagious human viruses.
“Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.”
“The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. “The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.”