(i.e., Provinces/Territories making decisions for publicly funded immunization programs)
These recommendations apply only to COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in Canada (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; Moderna COVID-19 vaccine). In considering these recommendations and for the purposes of publicly funded program implementation, provinces and territories may consider local programmatic factors (e.g., logistical and operational contexts, resources).
NACI recommends that a complete COVID-19 vaccine series should be offered to individuals in the authorized age group without contraindications to the vaccine. In the context of limited vaccine supply, initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine should be prioritized for the key populations outlined in NACI's Guidance on the Prioritization of Initial Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine(s). (Strong NACI Recommendation)
NACI recommends that all individuals should continue to practice recommended public health measures for prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission regardless of vaccination with COVID-19 vaccine, at this time. (Strong NACI Recommendation)
NACI recommends that a complete series with a COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to individuals in the authorized age group without contraindications to the vaccine who have had previously PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the context of limited vaccine supply, initial doses may be prioritized for those who have not had a previously PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Discretionary NACI Recommendation)
NACI also makes the following recommendations for COVID-19 immunization in some specific populations who were either excluded from or were represented by small numbers of participants in clinical trials. Vaccine may be offered to some individuals in these populations in some circumstances on a case-by-case basis with a risk-benefit analysis (where the risk of exposure and/or severe COVID-19 disease outweighs the risk of vaccination), and with transparency about the insufficiency of evidence. These recommendations may change as more evidence becomes available.
NACI recommends that a complete COVID-19 vaccine series may be offered to individuals who are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment in the authorized age group in this population, if a risk assessment deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks for the individual, and if informed consent includes discussion about the absence of evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccine in this population. (Discretionary NACI Recommendation)
NACI recommends that a complete vaccine series with a COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to individuals with an autoimmune condition in the authorized age group in these populations if a risk assessment deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks for the individual, and if informed consent includes discussion about the insufficiency of evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccine in these populations. (Discretionary NACI Recommendation)
NACI recommends that a complete vaccine series with a COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to pregnant individuals in the authorized age group if a risk assessment deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks for the individual and the fetus, and if informed consent includes discussion about the absence of evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccine in this population. (Discretionary NACI Recommendation)
NACI recommends that a complete vaccine series with a COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to individuals in the authorized age group who are breastfeeding, if a risk assessment deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks for the individual and the infant, and if informed consent includes discussion about the absence of evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccine in this population. (Discretionary NACI Recommendation)
NACI recommends that COVID-19 vaccine(s) should not be offered to individuals who are not in the authorized age group. (Strong NACI Recommendation)