The objective of this advisory committee statement is to provide preliminary guidance for public health program level decision-making to plan for the efficient, effective, and equitable allocation of a novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine once it is authorized for use in Canada when limited initial vaccine supply will necessitate the prioritization of immunization in some populations earlier than others. These recommendations aim to achieve Canada's pandemic response goal: "To minimize serious illness and overall deaths while minimizing societal disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic." Due to anticipated constraints in supply, these National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations apply to provincial/territorial publicly-funded immunization programs only and not for individuals wishing to prevent COVID-19 with vaccines not included in such programs.
The recommendations are informed by evidence available at the time of NACI deliberations, including the results of a rapid review of risk factors for severe COVID-19, an expert stakeholder survey on the relative importance of pandemic immunization strategies, and the systematic assessment of ethics, equity, feasibility and acceptability (EEFA) considerations with the peer-reviewed EEFA Framework. NACI will continue to carefully monitor the evidence related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine(s) and will update recommendations as evidence evolves.
- Recommendation
- Americas
- Canada
- COVID-19
