Plenary: 903

A View from the Crystal Ball: Policies for Canada’s Aging Population

Organized by: Merck
Panel Date: November 22, 2024
Speakers:
William Dempster
Jennifer Chan
Laura Tamblyn Watts
Dr. Ronald F. Grossman

Abstract:
With Canada’s age demographics continuously shifting, policymakers and science hubs have invested in strategies that can better serve our social, economic, and healthcare infrastructures. This session will focus on the latter, highlighting recent advancements for optimizing infectious disease mitigation through vaccination, and deconstructing the necessary strategies to bolster healthy aging via immunization. With vaccination as a cornerstone for public health, this dynamic and engaging panel of global experts will discuss where we stand in Canada regarding the current state of vaccine uptake, knowledge dissemination and vaccine education, and the potential future of precision immunization.

Attendees will gain insights into how policy developments and innovative strategies can drive these advancements and their impact on our public healthcare system.

Summary of Conversations

The panel discussed the impact of science on older Canadians, focusing on innovations in immunization and vaccines. It was highlighted that while vaccines are a crucial medical invention, adult vaccination rates, particularly for pneumococcal disease, remain low. Barriers at the governmental level hinder the approval and delivery of new vaccines. The conversation underscored the importance of understanding disease epidemiology to develop effective vaccines, addressing the narrative around aging, and improving vaccination rates in older adults. It emphasized the necessity of getting the right information to the right people at the right time.

Take Away Messages/ Current Status of Challenges

  • Vaccines are a critical tool for preventing infectious diseases, yet adult immunization rates are suboptimal, especially for pneumococcal vaccination.
  • Governmental barriers impede the timely approval and delivery of new vaccine technologies to those in need.
  • A significant portion of Canadian seniors and physicians lack awareness about pneumonia vaccines.
  • Canada faces a frailty health gap, with a considerable number of years spent in ill health.
  • Jurisdictional silos and unclear funding responsibilities hinder the streamlining of vaccine procurement and delivery.
  • Healthcare systems are overly focused on treatment rather than prevention, neglecting the economic and health benefits of increased immunization.
  • Misinformation and fear-based narratives undermine trust in vaccines and public health recommendations.
  • There is a shortage of geriatricians relative to the senior population, impacting vaccine access and education.

Recommendations/Next Steps

  • Prioritize adult vaccines and adopt a life course approach to immunization, treating adult vaccines as seriously as childhood vaccinations.
  • Improve access to vaccinations by adequately funding vaccine programs, enhancing the role of primary care providers, and expanding the role of pharmacists.
  • Build trust through effective science communication, providing timely updates on scientific findings and tailoring communication strategies to diverse communities.
  • Improve provincial registries and consider a centralized national vaccine registry to identify underserved populations and focus vaccine education and distribution efforts.
  • Ensure national frameworks for vaccine access and delivery, fostering collaboration between provinces and territories supported by Public Services and Procurement Canada.
  • Provide clarity on funding responsibilities and explore economic cases for increased investment in adult vaccines.
  • Integrate immunization education into school curriculums, leverage social media campaigns, and collaborate with community organizations to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
  • Educate physicians about the serious consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases to increase their advocacy for vaccination among patients.

* This summary has been generated with the assistance of AI tools

Disclaimer: The French version of this text has been auto-translated and has not been approved by the author.