Canadian Immunization Research Network

The Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) represents over 100 investigators from more than 40 Canadian institutions, comprising leading experts in vaccine-related evaluative research from a wide array of disciplines. CIRN facilitates collaborative research among vaccine researchers and stakeholders, provides a training environment for the next generation of immunization researchers, and provides two-way knowledge exchange between researchers and decision makers. The network develops and tests methodologies in vaccine safety, effectiveness, and adverse events; examines vaccine hesitancy and strategies to address it; evaluates current programs for vaccine coverage and effectiveness; and creates and supports a rapid response research capacity. CIRN comprises cross-disciplinary research teams supporting projects in Vaccine Evaluation, Program Support, and Program Evaluation, including investigators spanning CIHR's 4 pillars. CIRN is supported by 5 core research infrastructures: the Clinical Trials Network of 8 sites capable of rapid trials as well as long-term studies; the Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network of 43 adult hospital sites with surveillance and vaccine-effectiveness capability across the full age spectrum; the Canadian National Vaccine Safety Network which, with a cohort of 20,000 adults and children, measures adverse events following immunization; the Special Immunization Clinics Network which provides standardized clinical assessment of adverse events following immunization; and the Provincial Collaborative Network which provides a collaborative platform in which to undertake evaluative programmatic applied public health research. CIRN's infrastructure also includes 3 support networks: the Reference Laboratory Network of 5 sites, the Modeling and Economics Research Network, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Network.