Détails des événements

In this PHO Rounds, presenters will share findings from two recent evaluations of Ontario’s immunization programs. The first presents insights from Ontario public health units (PHUs) on improving immunization coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes the pandemic’s impact on immunization activities, catch-up efforts, and the barriers and enablers to sustaining these programs. The second focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of immunization program processes and addressing barriers from a health equity lens. Drawing on shared experiences and practical strategies, this session will highlight best practices adopted across PHUs and offer actionable recommendations from PHUs to strengthen Ontario’s immunization programs in the post-pandemic era.

Intended audience: Medical Officers of Health (MOH), Associate Medical Officers of Health (AMOH), public health clinicians, public health professionals working in immunization and vaccine preventable diseases as well as program evaluators.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health immunization program activities and catch-up efforts in Ontario.
• Recognize the similarities and differences in public health immunization programs across Ontario and how that contributes to variability in reported immunization coverage.
• Identify the barriers and enablers to sustaining public health immunization program activities and addressing health equity in Ontario.
• Discuss practical strategies and innovative processes for immunization programs that have been adopted across Ontario’s public health units.

Dr. Catharine Chambers, PhD, is an Applied Public Health Science Specialist at Public Health Ontario where she serves as the Scientific Liaison for the Ontario Immunization Advisory Committee and provides scientific and technical advice on vaccines and immunization programs. She holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Dr. Chambers leads an active program of applied public health research in vaccine program evaluation, with a focus on understanding vaccine uptake and effectiveness in real-world settings.

Dr. Emma Nagy, PhD, is a Research Associate at Southeast Public Health with a PhD in Health Studies from Queen's University. She specializes in public health program evaluation and qualitative research, with experience leading mixed-methods studies in Kingston and across Ontario. Emma served as co-applicant and project manager for the Locally Driven Collaborative Project (LDCP) ISPA Process Evaluation, which used process mapping to assess variation in ISPA program implementation across health units. Her work focuses on generating practical, actionable evidence to strengthen public health programs and practice.

Allison Maier, MPH, has an MPH from Queen’s University. She is a Research Associate at Southeast Public Health and is the data scientist associated with the Acute Care Enhanced Surveillance (ACES) program. She has over 10 years of experience working in in public health surveillance and program evaluation, including immunization dashboards. Allison is passionate about using data visualization techniques to improve reporting of public health surveillance.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario Grand Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Grand Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact events@oahpp.ca

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or events@oahpp.ca.