BIOTECanada

Canada’s Vaccine Industry Committee

Leadership In Global Health

Vaccine Industry Committee members are the leading vaccine manufacturers serving the Canadian market and early stage Canadian companies developing advanced vaccine technologies.

The Committee works to shape public policy to:

  • Ensure a secure supply of vaccines for Canada;
  • Advocate for equitable access to vaccines for all Canadians;
  • Promote the value of immunization as one of the most cost-effective health interventions available;
  • Increase uptake for recommended vaccines; and
  • Expand Canadian vaccine innovation and manufacturing capacity

Position Statement 
BIOTECanada’s Vaccine Industry Committee works to ensure a secure supply of vaccines for Canada, advocates for equitable access to vaccines for all Canadians, and promotes the value of immunization as one of the most cost-effective health interventions available.

  • The committee supports the WHO’s position of vaccines hesitancy being one of the top public health threats.
  • Vaccine hesitancy: the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways of avoiding disease, it currently prevents 4-5 million deaths a year worldwide. (Reference)
  • The committee is working with our partner members on ensuring that Canadians have access to balanced information about the broad public health benefits of vaccination.

Building on the Legacy of Vaccines in Canada

Canada achieved one of the highest COVID vaccine coverage rates globally throughout the global COVID19 pandemic.  This is an achievement not to be taken for granted.  Canada needs to keep building on this success and ensure Canadian immunization rates are effective in keeping Canadians safe and healthy Provincial and federal governments, working alongside with public health officials can increase access to vaccines to help reduce health care costs, keep Canadians healthier today and for the long term.

A recent report commissioned by BIOTECanada’s Vaccine Industry Committee identified the existing immunization levels throughout Canada, and explores the gaps in the current access system to today’s vital vaccines. As Canada embarks on the next phase of public health preparedness these gaps will need to be addressed.

Resources

Vaccine Development and Manufacturing Report
Vaccine Industry Committee White Paper Series

For more information about BIOTECanada’s Vaccine Industry Committee, contact Ron Boch.

Vaccine Industry Committee Members