Grants and Contributions:

COVID-19 Legal Frameworks for Vaccination Research Rapid Response

157350

$240,731.00

Aug 1, 2020 - Jul 31, 2021

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to better understand the laws and regulations for vaccination that exist across Canada in order to determine whether they support or impede the achievement of vaccination program goals and objectives in both routine and emergency contexts, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the study will examine the specific issues of mandatory vaccination and compensation for serious events following vaccination, which are of particular relevance for potential COVID-19 vaccine(s). The proposal will address all of the following objectives: •Survey at least 7 Canadian provincial and territorial jurisdictions and create a national map of governance frameworks (e.g., key actors, policies, laws, regulations) and any planned or potential changes resulting from COVID-19 vaccination planning. •Assess provincial and territorial frameworks to facilitate insights into: (a) the commonalities and discrepancies between frameworks; (b) the extent to which, and how, the frameworks address mandates, compensation, and emergency situations; and (c) whether these frameworks encourage health care worker and public trust in vaccination programs and vaccines. •Undertake the following in relation to the specific issues of mandatory vaccination and compensation for serious adverse events following vaccination, both of which will be essential as potential COVID-19 vaccine(s) are rolled out: (a) a preliminary examination and comparison of how select Canadian frameworks approach these two critical issues; and (b) a preliminary case study of how select Canadian approaches contrast with relevant select foreign jurisdictions. •Propose areas for consideration for revisions to regulation of vaccination in Canada, including routine and responsive vaccination goals. Sex and gender differences exist in the objectives above, making sex and/or gender issues an important component of this research initiative. CIHR will require applicants to consider sex as a biological variable and gender as a socio-cultural factor in their research. Overall, the study will contribute to knowledge of routine vaccination regulation across Canada and of Canadian approaches to responsive vaccine delivery specific to COVID-19. With respect to knowledge translation, the research is expected to yield reports, presentations, synopses, and scholarly articles aimed at a range of public health, vaccine and/or health law experts. Among the anticipated products resulting from this research are: •a report on Canadian legal frameworks; •detailed jurisdictional case studies; •issue-specific comparative case studies; •a compendium of the laws and regulations underpinning vaccination across Canada; •a summary of perceptions of senior public health leaders; and •a list of areas for consideration for revisions in law and/or regulation. It is a requirement that data, publications and reports produced as a result of this funding be shared rapidly and in an open-access format (i.e. publicly available online).

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

This program provides funding for targeted grants and awards aimed at addressing priority areas. Priorities are identified by CIHR in consultation with other government departments and agencies, partners and stakeholders. The program mobilizes researchers, patients, health providers, and decision makers to conduct research, enable knowledge translation and build capacity in the priority areas. It often requires collaboration within and across sectors.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA B3H 3J5

236-2020-2021-Q2-00388

Grant

Grants and Contributions

Individual or sole proprietorship

Halperin, Scott A

Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia)

Research in Priority Areas

This program provides funding for targeted grants and awards aimed at addressing priority areas. Priorities are identified by CIHR in consultation with other government departments and agencies, partners and stakeholders. The program mobilizes researchers, patients, health providers, and decision makers to conduct research, enable knowledge translation and build capacity in the priority areas. It often requires collaboration within and across sectors.