Pfizer Canada congratulates the Ontario government for Immunization 2020 strategy

KIRKLAND, QC, Jan. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Pfizer Canada applauds the Ontario government on the release of Immunization 2020 for their leadership, forward-thinking and collaborative approach to modernizing immunization, particularly for recognizing current gaps and challenges which inhibit optimal immunization targets.

"Despite a relatively high immunization rate, the province would like to achieve even higher targets," says Terry Gunter, General Manager, Vaccines Business Unit, at Pfizer Canada. "While the reasons behind changing public attitudes and hesitancy towards vaccines are complex, the shift has led to the resurgence of illnesses that were once eradicated through immunization."

An Actionable Roadmap for Ontario
Recognized as one of the greatest achievements in public health, immunization is key to protecting Canadians and has saved more lives in Canada than any other health initiative in 50 years.¹ As seen in recent years with the outbreaks of measles, mumps and whooping cough, the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases is real.

"Over the last century, the development of vaccines to prevent serious and life-threatening diseases is an incredible medical advancement, and one that Pfizer is proud to be a part of," says Gunter. "That being said, we know there is much more work to be done. As identified in the government's roadmap, there are several actions that need to be taken in order to achieve the targets set forth in the report."

Pfizer's Commitment to Immunization 2020 Actions

1. Communicating value of immunization – supporting informed immunization decision-making to strengthen public confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines
2. Supporting a more transparent review process – work with government and regulatory bodies to ensure timely review, approval and reimbursement of new vaccines
3. Ongoing research and collaboration – Pfizer is helping to usher in a new era of vaccine innovation pushing the boundaries to pursue the next scientific breakthrough

"We look forward to working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and industry partners to make Ontario healthier by reducing vaccine-preventable diseases through a high performing, integrated immunization system," says Gunter.

About Pfizer Canada Inc.
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most prescribed medicines and vaccines. Historically, Pfizer Inc. has invested more than US $7 billion toward developing safe and effective medicines. At Pfizer, we're working together for a healthier world. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada).

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1} Immunization 2020 – Modernizing Ontario's Publicly Funded Immunization Program. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Accessed 01-04-2016. Available at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/ministry/publications/reports/immunization_2020/immunization_2020_report.pdf.

SOURCE Pfizer Canada Inc.

Manon Genin, Pfizer Canada Inc., 1-866-9PFIZER, [email protected]; Carolyn Santillan, NATIONAL Public Relations, 416-848-1420, [email protected]