Pandemic planning in Canada

Area of Science:

• Public Health Preparedness
• Epidemiology
• Immunization Policy

Background:

• Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization developed a pandemic influenza plan in 1988.
• The plan involved extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including provincial authorities, manufacturers, and international representatives.
• Key strategic decisions included federal-provincial consensus, selective vaccination, public vaccine purchasing, and open market for antivirals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the key components and decisions of Canada's 1988 pandemic influenza plan.
• To review the plan's coverage of pandemic recognition, response activation, decision-making, and resource considerations.
• To highlight the need for updating the plan based on advancements since 1988.

Main Methods:

• Development of a comprehensive pandemic influenza plan through multi-stakeholder consultation.
• Inclusion of specific strategies for vaccine and antiviral use, distribution, and communication.
• Addressing operational aspects such as committee activation, target group estimation, and manufacturing capabilities.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in influenza vaccine use and amantadine experience in Canada since 1988.
• Enhanced domestic manufacturing capabilities for influenza vaccine.
• The original plan provides a framework but requires updating, particularly regarding target populations and roles.

Conclusions:

• Canada's 1988 pandemic influenza plan established a robust framework for preparedness.
• Post-1988 developments necessitate a revision of the plan's targets and a reinforcement of roles.
• Continuous evaluation and updating are crucial for maintaining effective pandemic influenza preparedness.