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The University of Toronto (U of T) launched the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (CVPD) in 2019 to be a hub for vaccine researchers and innovative vaccine science. Housed at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH), the CVPD fosters collaboration between academics, public health professionals, policymakers, and health care providers to maximize the health benefits of immunization for everyone.
Our work revolves around four pillars:
- Burden of disease trends and vaccine impact
- Immunization science and diagnostics
- Vaccine access and policy
- Vaccine confidence, practice, and communication
We aim to contribute locally and globally to healthy communities through excellence in interdisciplinary vaccine-preventable disease and immunization research and education.
The CVPD recently partnered with the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (University of Toronto), the School of Pharmacy (University of Waterloo) and the Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network (OPEN) to host a stakeholder discussion about the role of pharmacists as vaccinators in Ontario.
This meeting brought together pharmacists, physicians, public health practitioners, policymakers and community members to discuss programmatic challenges and opportunities for innovation. The result was a thought-provoking event that provided new ideas for improving immunization coverage in Ontario.
This report summarizes:
- Expert insight on the barriers to vaccine uptake
- An overview of pharmacy-based immunization services
- Innovative approaches to vaccination
- Ideas from attendees on opportunities for the future
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Explain It Like I’m 6 contest, hosted by the CVPD and Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium.
The contest was open to students at any Canadian university, and invited applicants to submit a short essay, video or graphic(s) explaining an aspect of vaccine science in a way that a 6-year-old would understand. Some used fairytales to explain the battle between viruses and vaccines. Others created clever animations to illustrate complex concepts in simple terms. There were even a few original songs (which CVPD and EPIC staffers can still be heard singing in the hallways). In the end, EPIC and the CVPD received more than 30 applications from students across Canada — and these entries stood out among the rest.
Here are the winners from the inaugural Explain It Like I’m 6: A Vaccine Education Contest:
🥇1st Prize — Stacey J Butler for “Vaccines vs. Viruses: The Ultimate Battle”
🥈2nd Prize — Aideen Teeling for “Why Boosters Matter”
🏅Kids’ Choice Award — Abigail Netanya Ngan for “Vaccines are for Protection”
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who entered!
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Transparency Statement
The Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases is supported by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH), which receives operational funding from the University of Toronto, as well as funding from grant and private sector sources. Private sector funding sources include support from Merck, Sanofi, and Pfizer. A set of governance processes are in place at the DLSPH to ensure that the Centre operates in accordance with University of Toronto policies, and without influence from its funders. Decisions on private sector support are made in consultation with the Dean, relevant faculty and Advancement, with oversight from a Senior Advisory Committee of the University of Toronto. The partnership between the CVPD and private sector funders supports the advancement and sharing of vaccine knowledge, research, and education to help communicate the importance of immunization as a cornerstone of public health.
