Disease Prevention and Control Guidelines
- The following guidelines have been published by PHAC to support Canada's disease prevention and control efforts. Many of them contain recommendations on specific public health topics issued either by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT), the National Advisory Committee on Infection Prevention and Control or the Advisory Committee on Epidemiology (now defunct) as well as by numerous expert and scientific groups who collaborate with PHAC.
- Within each category, the guidelines are classified alphabetically by main topic or disease condition (appearing in bold) and then by year.
- Biosafety
- Chronic Diseases
- Group A Streptococcal Disease
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Infection Control
- Laboratory
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Vaccines and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Biosafety
- Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity
- Pathogen Safety Data Sheets and Risk Assessment
- Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines
- Biosafety Directive, Advisories and Notifications
Chronic Diseases
Arthritis
- Getting a Grip Project – Online OA and RA modules
- Government of British Columbia- BC Guidelines
- American College of Rheumatology -Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality- Guidelines and Measures
Cancer
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Breast Cancer
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guidance on breast cancer screening
- Canadian Medical Association, Clinical Practice Guidelines For the Care and Treatment of Breast Cancer, 2005
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Use of Hormonal Replacement Therapy After Treatment of Breast Cancer, 2004(PDF document)
- Alberta Ministry of Health and Wellness: Breast Cancer
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Cervical Cancer
- Should I be screened for Cervical cancer
- Cancer Care Ontario, Program in Evidence-Based Care: Practice Guidelines
- Cancer Care Ontario, Chemotherapy for Recurrent, Metastatic, or Persistent Cervical Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline, 2006 (PDF document)
- Cancer Care Ontario, Primary Treatment for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Concurrent Platinum-based Chemotherapy and Radiation Practice Guideline Report #4-5 (PDF document)
- American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006 consensus guidelines for the management of women with abnormal cervical cancer screening tests (published in 2007) (PDF document)
- Alberta Ministry of Health and Wellness: Cervical Cancer
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Colorectal Cancer
- Cancer Care Ontario, Program in Evidence-Based Care: Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Ministry of Health: Follow-up of Patients after Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer, 2004 (PDF document)
- B.C. Ministry of Health: Detection of Colorectal Neoplasms in Asymptomatic Patients, (full guideline) (PDF document)
- B.C. Ministry of Health: Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Guide for Patients (PDF document)
- Alberta Ministry of Health and Wellness: Colorectal Cancer
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Lung Cancer
- Cancer Care Ontario, Program in Evidence-Based Care: Practice Guidelines
- British Columbia Cancer Agency, Lung Cancer Management Guidelines
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Melanoma Skin Cancer
- Cancer Care Ontario, Temozolomide for the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: A Clinical Practice Guideline (PDF document)
- Cancer Care Ontario, Biochemotherapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Malignant Melanoma: A Clinical Practice Guideline (PDF document)
- Cancer Care Ontario, Systemic Adjuvant Therapy for Patients at High Risk for Recurrent Melanoma: A Clinical Practice Guideline (PDF document)
- Cancer Care Ontario, Single-Agent Interleukin-2 in the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: A Clinical Practice Guideline (PDF document)
- Cancer Care Ontario, Screening for Skin Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline (PDF document)
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Non Melanoma Skin Cancer
- Non-melanoma skin cancer: Guidelines for treatment and management in Australia
- Management of nonmelanoma skin cancer in 2007
- Guidelines Support Photodynamic Therapy for Several Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Prostate Cancer
- Cancer Care Ontario, Program in Evidence-Based Care: Practice Guidelines
- American Urological Association, Guideline For the Management of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: 2007 Update (PDF document)
- Ontario Ministry of Health, Ontario Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Clinical Guidelines, summary 2002 update
- Canadian Medical Association, CMA Infobase: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- B.C. Cancer Agency, various guidelines
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Diabetes
- Canadian Diabetes Association - Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada
- Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons from individual provinces or territories may have developed their own clinical practice guidelines for particular circumstances.
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guidance on screening for Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guidance on hypertension screening and management
- 2009 CHEP Recommendations for the Management of Hypertension
Mental Illness
Group A Streptococcal Disease
Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Infection prevention and control measures for Ebola disease in acute care settings (2023)
- Canadian Tuberculosis Standards 8th Edition: Chapter 14: Prevention and control of tuberculosis transmission in healthcare settings (2022)
- Guideline on the Prevention of Transmission of Bloodborne Viruses from Infected Healthcare Workers in Healthcare Settings (2019)
- Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Prehospital Care and Ground Transport of Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (2019)
- Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Acute Care Settings (2016)
- Poster: Help reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance - Follow recommendations for routine practices in settings where health care is provided (2016)
- Notice: Recommended practices for the prevention of endoscopy-related infections (2016)
- Canadian Tuberculosis Standards 7th Edition: Chapter 15 - Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis Transmission in Health Care and Other Settings (2014)
- Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Healthcare Settings (2013)
- Routine Practices and Additional Precautions Assessment and Educational Tools (2013)
- Clostridium Difficile Infection - Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Management in Long-term Care Facilities (2013)
- Clostridium Difficile Infection - Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Management in Acute Care Settings (2013)
- Hand Hygiene Practices in Healthcare Settings (2012)
- Seasonal Influenza - Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Management in Home Care Settings (2012)
- Infection Prevention and Control Guideline for Flexible Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Flexible Bronchoscopy (2011)
- Guidance: Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Healthcare Workers in All Healthcare Settings - Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative Bacilli (2010)
- Seasonal Influenza - Guidance: Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Healthcare Workers in Acute Care and Long-term Care Settings (2010)
- Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia (2010)
- Classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Canada Quick Reference Guide 2007
- Classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Canada (2002)
- Prevention and Control of Occupational Infections in Health Care (2002)
Hepatitis C
- Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus in Patients with HIV and Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection: A Practical Guide for Health Care Professionals. The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology. Sept/Oct 2007;18(5):293-303.
- Nutrition Tips for People with Hepatitis C:
Helping You Feel Your Best!
Dealing With Discomforts
(September 2003) - Management Guidelines for the HCV-HIV Co-infected Adult (October 2000)
-Executive Summary
- Reproductive Care of Women Living with Hep C Infection (October 2000)
HIV/AIDS
- Interim Advisory on Measles Revaccination of Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (1996)*
Infection Control
- Environmental Sanitation Practices to Control the Spread of Communicable Disease in Passenger Conveyances and Terminals
- Guidance for Airline Cabin Crews, Cleaning Personnel and Cargo Personnel: How to Protect Yourself and Others from Ebola Virus Disease
Laboratory
- Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity
- Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines
- Pathogen Safety Data Sheets and Risk Assessment
- Biosafety Directive, Advisories and Notifications
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
- Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education
- Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in Canada: Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment and Protocol for National Enhanced Surveillance (May 2005)
- Interim Recommendations: Alternatives to Spectinomycin for Gonorrhea Treatment (September 2001) (92 KB) in PDF Format Only
Tuberculosis (TB)
- Guidelines regarding departure from Canada of persons with suspected respiratory tuberculosis (TB), untreated active respiratory TB or partially treated active respiratory TB - (Version 2006.07.18)
- Statement on Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) Vaccine (2004)
- Guidelines for the investigation and follow-up of individuals under medical surveillance for tuberculosis after arriving in Canada: a summary (2003)
- Recommendations for the Screening and Prevention of Tuberculosis in Patients with HIV and the Screening for HIV in Tuberculosis Patients and Their Contacts (2002)
- Canadian guidelines for the investigation and follow-up of individuals under medical surveillance for tuberculosis after arrival in Canada (2001)
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis - Pathogen Safety Data Sheet
- Management strategies for candidates for protease inhibitors and requiring treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (1998)
Vaccines and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Adverse Events (associated with vaccines)
Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG)
- Statement on Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) Vaccine - 1 December 2004
- Erratum
Cholera
Cochlear Implant Recipients
Diptheria
- Statement on the recommended use of pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines (1 February 2007)
- Interval Between Administration of Vaccines Against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis - 15 October 2005
- Interchangeability of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis, Polio, haemophilus Influenzae Type B Combination Vaccines Presently Approved for Use in Canada for Children < 7 Years of Age (2005)
- Statement On Adult/Adolescent Formulation of Combined Acellular Pertussis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria Vaccine (May 2000)
- Guidelines for the Control of Diphtheria in Canada (July 1998)
Encephalitis
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
- Statement on the recommended use of pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines (1 February 2007)
- Interchangeability of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis, Polio, haemophilus Influenzae Type B Combination Vaccines Presently Approved for Use in Canada for Children < 7 Years of Age (2005)
- Supplementary Statement on Newly Licensed Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Conjugate Vaccines in Combination with other Vaccines Recommended for Infants (1994)
Hepatitis
- Statement on the recommended use of pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines (1 February 2007)
- Hepatitis B Vaccine, Update to the 2002 Canadian Immunization Guide 15 May 2004
- Update on Hepatitis A Vaccine (AVAXIM®, Aventis Pasteur), 2001
- Statement on Alternate Adolescent Schedule for Hepatitis B Vaccine, 2000
- Supplementary Statement on Hepatitis A Vaccine, 2000
- Statement on Combination Vaccines Against Hepatitis A And Hepatitis B (1999)
- Supplementary Statement on Hepatitis Prevention - Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Combination Vaccine for Children (1999)
- Supplementary Statement on Hepatitis Prevention (1997)
- Supplementary Statement on Hepatitis A Prevention (1996)
- Report of the Hepatitis B Working Group (1994)
Human Papillomavirus
- Update On Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines - (January 2012)
- Canadian Immunization Committee Report: Recommendations on a Human Papillomavirus Immunization Program (December 2007)
- Statement on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine - 15 February 2007
Immunization
- Evidence-based recommendations for immunization – Methods of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization - January 2009
- Table on Vaccines Currently Approved for Use in Canada, updated as of March 2008 (PDF document - 119 KB - 9 pages) - Opens in a new window
- Canadian Immunization Guide, Seventh Edition, 2006
- Guidelines For Childhood Immunization Practices
- Canadian National Report on Immunization, 2006
- Canadian National Report on Immunization, 1996
Influenza
- Recommendations on the use of live, attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist®): Supplemental Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2011-2012
- Recommendations on the use of MF59-Adjuvanted Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Fluad®): Supplemental Statement of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2011-2012
- Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2011–2012
- Addendum to the 2010-2011 Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
- Statement on Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (TIV) for 2010-2011
- Statement on Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (TIV) for 2009-2010
- Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2008-2009 Season
- Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2007-2008 Season - 1 July 2007
- Travel, Influenza, and Prevention (2005)
- Statement On Influenza Vaccination for The 2006-2007 Season
- Update on Influenza Vaccination For the 2005-2006 Season - 1 March 2006
- Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2005-2006 Season (2005)
- Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2003-2004 Season (2003)
- Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2002-2003 Season (2002)
- Supplementary Statement for the 2002-2003 Influenza Season: Update on Oculo-respiratory syndrome in Association with Influenza Vaccination (2002)
- Supplementary Statement for The 2001-2002 Season: Influenza Vaccination of Persons Who Experienced Oculo-Respiratory Syndrome Following Previous Influenza Vaccination (ACS-7) - 15 November 2001
- Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2001-2002 Season (2001)
- Supplementary statement on influenza vaccination: continued use of Fluviral® influenza vaccine in the 2000-2001 season (ACS-1) - 15 January 2001
- Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2000-2001 Season - 1 June 2000
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella)
- Statement on Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella Vaccine - September 2010
Measles
- Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Measles Outbreaks in Canada (2013)
- Statement on Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella Vaccine - September 2010
- Measles Surveillance: Guidelines for Laboratory Support (1998)
- Interim Advisory on Measles Revaccination of Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (1996)
- Supplementary Statement on Measles Elimination in Canada (1996)
- Guidelines for Control of Measles Outbreaks in Canada (1995)
Meningococcal
- Canadian Immunization Committee Report: Advice for Consideration of Quadrivalent (A, C, Y, W135) Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, for use by Provinces and Territories (January 2010)
- Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Meningococcal Disease - Supplement (2005)
- Update on Meningococcal C Conjugate Vaccines (2005)
- Supplementary Statement on Conjugate Meningococcal Vaccines (2003)
- Statement on Recommended Use of Meningococcal Vaccines (2001)
Mumps
- Statement on Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella Vaccine - September 2010
- Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Mumps Outbreaks in Canada – Jan. 2010
- Statement on Mumps Vaccine - 1 August 2007
Pertussis
- Statement on the recommended use of pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines (1 February 2007)
- Proceedings of the National Microbiology Laboratory Pertussis Workshop, March 7, 2006
- Interval Between Administration of Vaccines Against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis - 15 October 2005
- Interchangeability of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis, Polio, haemophilus Influenzae Type B Combination Vaccines Presently Approved for Use in Canada for Children < 7 Years of Age (2005)
- Clarification - Prevention of Pertussis in Adolescents and Adults (2004)
- National Consensus Conference on Pertussis (2003)
- Prevention of Pertussis in Adolescents and Adults (2003)
- Statement On Adult/Adolescent Formulation of Combined Acellular Pertussis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria Vaccine (2000)
- Statement on Pertussis Vaccine (1997)
- Statement on Management of Persons Exposed to Pertussis and Pertussis Outbreak Control (1994)
Pneumococcal
- Update on the Use of Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccines in Childhood – November 2010
- Update on Pediatric Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Recommended Use of Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccines – April 2010
- Statement on the recommended use of pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine in homeless persons and injection drug users – September 2008
- Update On the Recommendations For The Routine Use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine For Infants - 1 May 2006
- Recommendations for use of Pneumococcal 23-Valent Polysaccharide Vaccine During Shortage (2004)
- Statement on the Recommended use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Addendum (2003)
- Immunization Recommendations for Cochlear Implant Recipients (2003)
- Statement on Recommended use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (2002)
Poliomyelitis
- Statement on the recommended use of pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines (1 February 2007)
- Interchangeability of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis, Polio, haemophilus Influenzae Type B Combination Vaccines Presently Approved for Use in Canada for Children < 7 Years of Age (2005)
Rabies
- Recommendations Regarding the Management of Bat Exposures to Prevent Human Rabies - November 2009
- Update on Rabies Vaccines (2005)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Statement on the Recommended Use of Monoclonal Anti-RSV Antibody (Palivizumab) - 15 September 2003
Rotavirus
- Updated Statement on the Use of Rotavirus Vaccines (July 2010)
- Statement on the recommended use of pentavalent human-bovine reassortant rotavirus vaccine - January 2008
Rubella
- Statement on Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella Vaccine - September 2010
Smallpox
Tetanus
- Statement on the recommended use of pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines (1 February 2007)
- Interval Between Administration of Vaccines Against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis - 15 October 2005
- Interchangeability of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis, Polio, haemophilus Influenzae Type B Combination Vaccines Presently Approved for Use in Canada for Children < 7 Years of Age (2005)
- Statement On Adult/Adolescent Formulation of Combined Acellular Pertussis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria Vaccine (May 2000)
Thimerosal
- Thimerosal: Updated Statement - 1 July 2007
- Updated Recommendations on the use of Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines in Canada (2005-12-01)
- Statement on Thimerosal (2003)
- Thimerosal in Vaccines (1999)
Typhoid
Vaccine
- Guidelines for Reporting Adverse Events Associated with Vaccine Products (2000)
- National Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines for Immunization Providers - 2015
Varicella
- Statement on Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella Vaccine - September 2010
- Varicella Vaccination Two-Dose Recommendations. - September 2010
- Updated Recommendations For The Use Of Varicella And MMR Vaccines In HIV-infected Individuals - September 2010
- Varizig™ as the varicella zoster immune globulin for the prevention of varicella In at-risk patients (October 15, 2006)
- Update on Varicella (2004)
- NACI Update to Statement on Varicella Vaccine (2002)
- Statement on Recommended Use of Varicella Virus Vaccine (1999)
Zoster
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