How COVID-19 vaccines are distributed in Canada: Who does what
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Health Canada
- Conducts a thorough and independent review of all vaccine data
- Authorizes a vaccine for use in Canada only if:
- it is safe
- it works
- it meets manufacturing standards
- benefits outweigh the risks
National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI)
- Makes recommendations on which groups should be prioritized for Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccines
- Decisions are based on:
- emerging evidence
- biological and social risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease and outcomes
- foundational elements guiding ethical decision-making
Public Health Agency of Canada
- Works with Public Services and Procurement Canada to identify and procure vaccines and supplies
- Distributes and determines allocations of vaccines to provinces and territories
Provinces and territories
- Determine how to allocate and distribute vaccines based on NACI recommendations and circumstances specific to their jurisdiction
- Distribute vaccines within their jurisdictions to Indigenous communities on reserve and in urban settings
Vaccination clinics
- Administer vaccines to those who are eligible and give consent
Indigenous Services Canada
- Supports culturally safe vaccination programs by delivering or providing the following to First Nations communities on reserve or, in some cases to organizations providing services to urban Indigenous peoples:
- financial support
- human resources support
- guidance
- PPE
- clinic supplies
- Helps organize discussions where Indigenous partners, federal organizations, provinces and territories can connect to build relationships and add Indigenous context to their decision making processes
- Advocates prioritizing vaccination of Indigenous peoples, no matter where they live