What is new in the Canadian Immunization Guide: November 2016 to November 2018.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The Canadian Immunization Guide (CIG) is a key online resource for evidence-based vaccine recommendations.
• It aligns with guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT).
• The CIG is regularly updated to reflect new scientific evidence and evolving vaccine indications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent updates to the Canadian Immunization Guide.
• To highlight new and revised recommendations for vaccine administration and specific populations.
• To inform healthcare providers about current immunization best practices in Canada.

Main Methods:

• Review of published updates to the Canadian Immunization Guide between November 2016 and November 2018.
• Analysis of revised chapters and vaccine-specific recommendations.
• Identification of new guidance on immunocompromised individuals, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Main Results:

• New and updated recommendations were issued for chapters on Vaccine Administration Practices, Immunization of Immunocompromised Persons, and Immunization During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
• Seven active vaccines received updated recommendations: cholera/traveler's diarrhea, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, herpes zoster, human papillomavirus, and pertussis.
• A specific update on measles post-exposure prophylaxis was also published.

Conclusions:

• The Canadian Immunization Guide provides timely, evidence-based information crucial for effective immunization programs.
• Regular updates ensure healthcare providers have access to the latest recommendations for optimal patient care.
• These updates support the ongoing efforts to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases in Canada.