Friday, August 9, 2024

This National Immunization Awareness Month, we highlight the importance of staying current with vaccines and the crucial role of data in tracking immunization efforts nationwide.

At Pfizer, we know that navigating Canada’s healthcare system is complex. With 10 provincial and three territorial healthcare systems operating independently under their own regulations, we often encounter a fragmented approach to tracking vaccinations among different Canadian populations.

While this flexibility helps address local needs in each province or territory, it makes it harder to coordinate data, often leaving healthcare providers and the public with incomplete information about vaccine uptake.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, society witnessed firsthand the importance of accurate vaccine tracking is. It became clear that robust data aggregation is essential for public health experts and decision-makers to not only identify trends, but to address gaps swiftly.

There is a need for solutions that help our public health experts deliver effective vaccination programs and provide the public with simple tools for maintaining up-to-date vaccine records.

In 2023, Pfizer Canada launched the Healthcare Hub, an initiative to bring together the best and brightest of Canada’s tech industry to leverage digital health solutions that address some of our most pressing healthcare challenges.

Among the organizations supported by the Healthcare Hub is CANImmunize, an Ottawa-based startup specializing in immunization software and data management. Their digital solutions support healthcare providers in navigating complex immunization guidelines, enhancing patient safety, improving provider experience, and boosting vaccine awareness and uptake.

“We know that in a time where we are being asked to do more with less, it’s vital that an accessible, proven, and cost-effective solution is available for Canadians to better manage vaccines,” says Cameron Bell, CEO of CANImmunize. “Our primary goal is to create technology solutions for the everyday problems that exist currently for our public health organizations.”

Two of CANImmunize’s solutions help make immunization simpler for patients, providers, and public health.

ClinicFlow: An end-to-end tool that streamlines vaccination clinic management. From online appointment booking to the documentation of vaccine administration, ClinicFlow centralizes all information, making the process more efficient and accessible.

eConsent: This solution reduces the administrative burden on public health units by simplifying the collection of parental consent for school immunization programs.

National Immunization Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of collaboration to innovate. Partnering with startups like CANImmunize enables us to combine our strengths in tackling the unique challenges facing Canada's healthcare system.

Together, we are focused on making immunization more accessible and using data to improve patient outcomes and strengthen Canadian healthcare. By helping improve vaccine awareness and ultimately uptake, we’re working towards better public health and a healthier future for our communities.