The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): A celebration of fifty years of service

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in October 2014. This paper outlines the history of NACI and its activities over the past 50 years. After its formation in 1964, NACI undertook the development of guidance for the few vaccines that were approved at that time, including polio, measles, tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria and smallpox. Although the Committee has evolved over the years, its focus has remained on providing guidance on an ever-increasing number of products: twenty-four, according to the recent updates to the Canadian Immunization Guide. With the changing vaccine landscape, including immunization programs and practices, the membership of the Committee has evolved to include expanded expertise, such as immunology. The work of the Committee has had to adapt, with more complex and extensive evidence and the establishment of a published evidence-based methodology. Over the past 50 years, the success and accomplishments of NACI have been in large part due to the efforts of its chair and members, who have dedicated countless hours of work to committee activities and products. NACI's Technical advisory groups are recognized globally as a valuable resource, benefiting immunization practices and programs across Canada and internationally. NACI is a committee of which PHAC and indeed Canada can be truly proud.