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B.4 Vaccine Procurementa) ObjectivesThe objectives for the vaccine procurement component of the NIS are to ensure the best value for vaccines, the long-term security of supply for vaccines, the quality of supply, and improvements in accountability. b) Existing SystemMost vaccines in Canada (i.e., over 75% of the total dollar value of vaccines in 2001/02) are purchased through direct contract with vaccine suppliers by individual provinces/territories. The remaining 25% of vaccines are purchased through the existing F/P/T procurement process, which is coordinated by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). The F/P/T Committee on Group Purchasing of Drugs and Vaccines, led by PWGSC, has representation from P/T ministries of health, Health Canada, and National Defense, but does not report to the CDMH. This F/P/T procurement process is low cost ($100K annually, shared equally among the participating jurisdictions) and vaccines are generally purchased at a price equal to or lower than the lowest prices in Canada. Vaccine contracts issued through this process are generally issued on a one-year basis, to the lowest bidder. c) Gaps/Limitations of Existing SystemThe current mix of F/P/T bulk purchasing of vaccines, combined with purchase through direct contract by individual jurisdictions, has resulted in differential vaccine prices across Canada. Without full support and participation in the F/P/T bulk purchase process, the ability to address concerns regarding rising prices or supply issues (described below), using a coordinated national approach, is reduced.
The existing F/P/T bulk purchase process could be improved to address the following:
d) Proposed ApproachTo address any limitations of the existing system, the following enhancements to the existing F/P/T procurement process could be made:
B.5 Immunization Registry Networka) ObjectivesThe key objectives of this component of the proposed NIS are to:
b) Existing SystemEach province and territory maintains their own system for tracking immunization coverage. In most provinces and territories, immunization information is collected primarily on children, and there is variability between jurisdictions with respect to the type of data being collected. The collection of childhood immunization data often begins at the time of enrollment in licensed daycare facilities or schools. Some jurisdictions have electronic databases to track this information, whereas others use paper-based systems. Most provinces and territories are currently establishing electronic immunization registries, which would be consistent and compatible with standards established in a national network. As part of an existing F/P/T initiative, work is being conducted to develop a long-term strategy for the surveillance of communicable diseases, which includes developing data standards and data definitions for immunization, communicable diseases, and vaccine associated adverse events17. c) Gaps/Limitations of Existing SystemProgram planning, evaluation, and research, at a national level, could be improved with a national network of immunization information. For instance, a registry network could provide better access to vaccine coverage data, thereby reducing the need for coverage surveys, which have limitations in terms of timeliness, quality, and cost. It could also provide data to support program planning, such as the identification of populations who are under-immunized and could benefit from targeted efforts. Furthermore, an immunization registry network could provide better access to denominator data on the number of persons immunized, which would support assessments of vaccine safety. Improvements in the standardization of data across jurisdictions would facilitate the transfer of immunization records when a child moves from one jurisdiction to another, and would help to ensure that immunizations continue on schedule. d) Proposed ApproachHealth Canada is currently funding a project to establish a network of provincial/territorial registries. It is proposed that this work continue as a component of the NIS, as follows:
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Last Updated: 2004-06-16 |