The Canadian Covid Society is among a group of concerned stakeholders who are advocating for broader access to diverse COVID-19 vaccine options across Canada.
We have co-signed a letter to the Public Health Agency of Canada, all the provinces/territories, and immunization providers to address the pressing need for enhanced COVID-19 vaccination awareness and education, and increased availability and access to the protein-based Novavax vaccine.
Key issues highlighted include:
- Access Issues: Many Canadians face significant challenges in accessing the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine due to systemic barriers, long travel distances, and inconsistent information from government and healthcare providers.
- Educational and Awareness Gaps: There is a significant lack of public awareness regarding the need for ongoing COVID-19 vaccination, particularly additional (booster) doses.
- Communication Breakdown: Effective communication between healthcare providers, public health officials, and the public is crucial. Reports of conflicting advice and misinformation from healthcare providers diminish public trust and impede vaccination efforts.
- Trust-Building: Public skepticism towards vaccines, fueled by mixed messages and perceived politicization, must be addressed through transparent communication and community engagement.
