Improving access to adult vaccination requires coordinated action. Industry experts, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates must work together to push for stronger public funding and policies that remove barriers to vaccination.
AVA-commissioned research shows a >300% return for every dollar invested in adult vaccination. The evidence is clear. Governments must act by increasing investment in adult immunization and ensuring recommended vaccines are accessible to all adults across Canada. Greater access means fewer preventable illnesses and less pressure on our healthcare system.
The case for action is clear: adult vaccination can offset the burden of disease for both the patient and our healthcare system
AVA’s Vaccine Gap Analysis Tool uses an interactive map to highlight gaps in public funding for NACI-recommended adult vaccines across Canada.
Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates can compare provincial coverage, identify disparities, and use the findings to inform policy decisions and advocate for better access to adult immunization.
AVA’s advocacy efforts are contributing to progress across Canada, from expanding access to publicly funded vaccines to supporting a greater role for pharmacists in immunization.
Ontario expands pharmacists’ scope
Ontario’s Ministry of Health announced that pharmacists would administer six additional publicly funded vaccines — including pneumococcal, RSV, and shingles — starting in July 2026. This milestone aligns with AVA’s efforts to improve access to adult immunization.
Newfoundland and Labrador invests in RSV protection
The provincial government committed $3.9 million to expand RSV vaccine eligibility to infants and seniors over 75, extending protection to more people at risk.
Manitoba advances pharmacist-administered MMR vaccination
AVA supported Pharmacists Manitoba in advocating for pharmacists to be authorized to administer measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines to people aged two to 19 during regional outbreaks.
These developments highlight the importance of sustained advocacy and collaboration in advancing policies that improve vaccine access across Canada.
To strengthen the case for investing in adult immunization, the Adult Vaccine Alliance commissioned Praxus Health (formerly 19 to Zero) and IQVIA Canada to examine the health and economic value of six recommended adult vaccines. The resulting report, The Unmet Value of Vaccines in Canada, found that every $1 invested generates $3.41 in health and economic benefits, with adult vaccines already contributing more than $2.5 billion annually in avoided health care costs and lost productivity.
The research also showed that a 10% increase in vaccine uptake could generate an additional $685 million in annual value. These findings give policymakers, health system leaders and advocates an evidence-based foundation to make the case for greater investment, improved access and stronger adult immunization programs.
