CNA News Room

CNA welcomes the beginning of COVID-19 vaccination programs in Canada

  
https://www.cna-aiic.ca/fr/blogs/ic-contenu/2020/12/17/laiic-accueille-favorablement-le-debut-des-program

December 17, 2020 – This week, Canada reached a much-anticipated milestone as the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived and immunization programs began across the country. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) supports and places great confidence in Health Canada’s rigorous regulatory review process and approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

“There is significant evidence that vaccinations are effective, safe and are the best way to protect against infectious diseases. Nurses have always been strong supporters of science and historically have been at the forefront of population-wide immunization. Once again, this was demonstrated as we saw many nurses be the first to roll up their sleeves and become vaccinated this past week. CNA supports the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and recommends that everyone living in Canada take the vaccine as it becomes available to them. We know this is a key step to eliminating this crippling virus from our society,” said Tim Guest, CNA president.

As the largest group of health-care professionals in Canada, nurses will play an integral role in not only vaccine rollout but also in educating the public and encouraging vaccine confidence. “Never in history has the world of science come together at the same time to solve a common threat to humanity. Globally, scientists have deployed new techniques, shared their findings openly, and worked around the clock with governments and regulators, while preserving safety,” said Michael Villeneuve, chief executive officer of CNA. “These vaccines mark a triumph of global science,” Villeneuve said, noting that CNA is committed to playing a key role in promoting vaccine acceptance and supporting nurses through clear, consistent messaging and evidence-informed resources.

“It is important to remember that while the arrival of the vaccine is an exciting step forward, our fight against COVID-19 is far from over. It is important we all remain vigilant, adhere to public health measures, and keep our social circles small,” said Guest.

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About the Canadian Nurses Association
The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is the national and global professional voice of Canadian nursing. We represent registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed and registered practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and retired nurses across all 13 provinces and territories.

For more information, please contact:
Eve Johnston
Media and Communications Coordinator
Canadian Nurses Association
Cell: 613-282-7859
Email: ejohnston@cna-aiic.ca


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