Learn about ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) ()? is a lung infection that can cause serious health complications, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. When a patient is Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is a type of pneumonia that develops at least 48 hours after a patient was intubated and placed on the mechanical ventilator. It's a preventable lung infection that can Today's Topic: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) VAP is a type of pneumonia that develops 48 hours or more after intubation and mechanical ventilation. Why It Happens: Bacteria enter the 2024 Year in Review: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Brian J. Ring, 2025