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=== Shaping the Future of Global Vaccine Interoperability === | === Shaping the Future of Global Vaccine Interoperability === | ||
- | Join us for the International | + | The first in-person meeting of the International Vaccine |
- | This one-day summit is a unique opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and help shape the future | + | The meeting opened with a review of IVC's goals and accomplishments so far, including monthly calls, the launch |
- | * **Date**: Friday, May 9th, 2025 | + | The core of the meeting focused on in-depth presentations about NUVA and its integration into systems like SNOMED CT, WHO Drug, national registries, and EU projects such as ePIL and the European Vaccination Card (EVC). Real-world use cases from Luxembourg, Canada, the U.S., and Qatar demonstrated the challenges of managing and reconciling vaccine data across fragmented systems. NUVA’s conceptual framework of valences emerged as a unifying method for linking diverse codes and improving clinical decision support. |
- | * **Location**: | + | |
- | * **Cost**: No cost to attend (attendees arrange their own travel | + | |
- | * **Registration Opens**: February 24, 2025 | + | |
- | * **Registration Deadline**: April 11, 2025 | + | |
- | * **Registration Page**: [[https:// | + | |
- | === Agenda Highlights === | + | Toward the end of the meeting, discussions shifted to sustainability and future governance. Participants debated the pros and cons of forming a formal organization versus aligning with existing structures like SNOMED or HL7. While no final decision was made, there was strong consensus that IVC fills a unique gap and that its work should be nurtured through partnerships and “matchmaking” with larger efforts already underway. |
- | While the full agenda | + | The energy and feedback from participants confirmed that this work is both needed and technically on the right track. Moving forward, the IVC Initiative |
- | * The IVC Initiative & NUVA – How this effort is addressing vaccine coding challenges globally | ||
- | * Global Vaccine Coding Interoperability – Breaking down barriers to data exchange | ||
- | * Real-World Use Cases – Lessons from national and international vaccination projects | ||
- | * Legal & Governance Frameworks – Supporting vaccine coding at a global scale | ||
- | * Aligning Vaccine Codes with Global Standards – Next steps and long-term strategies | ||
- | * Technical Training on Vaccine Coding Systems – SNOMED, NUVA, and international frameworks | ||
- | [[https:// | ||
- | ==== Who Should Attend? | + | ====== Bordeaux 2025 Meeting Summary ====== |
- | This summit is designed for: | + | **Date:** May 9, 2025 \\ |
+ | **Location: | ||
+ | **Event:** International Summit on Vaccine Coding & Standards | ||
+ | **Hosted by:** International Vaccine Codes Initiative (IVCI) | ||
- | * Vaccine code experts & immunization registry leaders | + | ===== Opening Session ===== |
- | * Public health professionals & policymakers | + | |
- | * Digital health & interoperability specialists | + | |
- | * Anyone involved in the development or implementation of vaccine coding standards | + | |
- | If you work with vaccine codes—or rely on them to support immunization efforts—you need to be part of this conversation. | + | The meeting opened |
- | === Meeting Logistics | + | Key accomplishments shared: |
+ | * Monthly Calls (community-building) | ||
+ | * IVC Website (centralized information) | ||
+ | * Interviews with Countries and Organizations (gathering user perspectives) | ||
+ | * Mapping | ||
- | 📍 [[https://ivci.org/ | + | To get to know the group, participants responded to live polls, revealing a wide variety of backgrounds: |
+ | * Majority had extensive experience with vaccinations. | ||
+ | * Many worked both nationally and internationally. | ||
+ | * Most were familiar with coding, but many were new to the NUVA system. | ||
- | ✈️ [[https://ivci.org/ | + | Takeaway: A well-aligned agenda with audience interest, especially around practical applications of vaccine coding, understanding NUVA, and interoperability challenges. |
- | 🚫 [[https:// | + | ===== Session Summaries ===== |
- | ==== Get Involved Even If You Can’t Attend ==== | + | FOUNDATIONS AND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES |
- | We recognize that not everyone will be able to travel to Bordeaux. However, we still want your input! We are gathering insights from vaccine coding experts worldwide to shape this initiative. | + | ==== NUVA: What It Is and Why It Matters ==== |
+ | //Speaker: François Kaag// | ||
- | 📩 Fill out the [[https:// | + | This presentation served as a foundational moment in the day, providing attendees with a deep understanding of the purpose and structure of NUVA, and how it supports long-term vaccine |
- | === Stay Updated === | ||
- | More details, including confirmed speakers and a finalized agenda, will be shared in the coming months. | ||
- | For questions, reach out to us at [[mailto: | + | === Key Points === |
- | We look forward | + | **Origins and Evolution** |
+ | Syadem began building NUVA to support clinical decision support systems that needed reliable vaccine history data. Initially developed to digitize paper records in France, NUVA evolved as the team participated in EU efforts (notably EVC) and recognized the broader applicability of their work. Over time, NUVA transformed into a generalized and formalized terminology designed for global use. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Not All Code Systems Are Built for the Same Purpose** | ||
+ | François highlighted that vaccine code systems are designed with different goals—some serve short-term logistics or pharmacovigilance, | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | **NUVA' | ||
+ | A valence | ||
+ | - Valences support varying levels of detail (e.g., `aP`, `ap`, `Per`) to handle incomplete records. | ||
+ | - Slide featured: **" | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Why Valences Matter** | ||
+ | Valences solve classification problems that confound other code systems. They make it possible to: | ||
+ | - Interpret multivalent vaccines correctly. | ||
+ | - Reason over vaccine histories across borders. | ||
+ | - Navigate between abstract and specific concepts in a structured way. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Flat Code System, Deep Valence Structure** | ||
+ | NUVA codes themselves are flat for simplicity, but are linked to a rich valence tree that enables navigation and reasoning. This dual structure supports interoperability without sacrificing semantic clarity. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Maturity of the Model** | ||
+ | Many countries assume vaccine codes are simple lists of approved products, but soon discover gaps and inconsistencies. Mature systems, like Denmark and Canada, have moved toward full ontologies. NUVA offers an off-the-shelf pivot terminology that captures this complexity for general use. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Pivot Role of NUVA in Global Interoperability** | ||
+ | Rather than build one-off mappings between every code system, NUVA functions as a **pivot terminology**. Each vaccine concept in other systems is either matched to or described in terms of NUVA, and the associated valences allow logical navigation between systems. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | This model shows how comprehensive and structured NUVA has become, and how it continues to grow as new vaccines and national codes are incorporated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Discussion & Questions === | ||
+ | Attendees had many questions regarding: | ||
+ | * How valences are determined. | ||
+ | * How mappings to/from NUVA are maintained. | ||
+ | * How NUVA relates to SNOMED CT and other national systems. | ||
+ | * The potential for NUVA to serve not only as a code system but as a **tool for harmonization**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A demonstration of the NUVA mapping platform was shared: | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Additional Notes === | ||
+ | This session clarified the **unique role of NUVA** as the only system explicitly designed to capture long-term immunization history in a functionally meaningful way. It laid the groundwork for subsequent technical and implementation discussions throughout the day. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== How NUVA Uses Valences to Standardize Vaccine Codes ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Jean-Louis Koeck (Syadem)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This presentation provided critical clinical context for understanding the valence model at the heart of NUVA. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Core Definitions**: | ||
+ | * **Valence: A Functional Concept**: | ||
+ | * **Schedules and Language**: Jean-Louis compared the French vaccination schedule | ||
+ | * **BEXSERO Case Study**: Though BEXSERO contains multiple antigens, it is represented by a **single valence** in NUVA, because for clinical decision-making, | ||
+ | * **Decomposition into Valences**: Multiple examples showed how different vaccine products (e.g., BOOSTRIXTETRA, | ||
+ | * **Valence Hierarchies**: | ||
+ | - Equivalence mapping | ||
+ | - Decision support | ||
+ | - Cross-code comparison | ||
+ | - Vaccine prescription using valence labels rather than commercial product names | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | Valences offer a **common clinical language** to assess protection, regardless of which product or national code system is used. This session made clear that valences are the **core bridge** between vaccination data and actionable immunization guidance. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== The NUVA Extension to SNOMED CT ==== | ||
+ | //Speakers: Suzy Roy & Peter Williams (SNOMED International)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This presentation explained how NUVA is being integrated into the SNOMED CT ecosystem to support broader adoption and interoperability. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **SNOMED International Overview**: | ||
+ | * **What Is the NUVA Extension? | ||
+ | Every NUVA concept also exists as a SNOMED concept with **dual identifiers**—one from NUVA, one from SNOMED CT. The NUVA **valence hierarchy** is used to compute a logical structure of vaccines in SNOMED. | ||
+ | * **Technical Implementation**: | ||
+ | - NUVA RDF data (`nuva_ivci.rdf`) is imported. | ||
+ | - Each vaccine and valence is created as a SNOMED concept. | ||
+ | - Valence relationships are defined using `"is a type of"` hierarchies. | ||
+ | - Abstract vaccines are marked **" | ||
+ | - SNOMED tooling is used for classification, | ||
+ | * **Working with the Extension**: | ||
+ | * **Challenges Identified** | ||
+ | - The NUVA concept of **valence** currently doesn’t align neatly with SNOMED CT’s concept of **“has active ingredient”**. | ||
+ | - No errors were reported, but over **9,000 warnings** were generated—mostly related to description patterns. | ||
+ | - Some monovalent vaccines in the hierarchy incorrectly show **polyvalent descendants**, | ||
+ | * **Next Steps** | ||
+ | The team will: | ||
+ | - Continue aligning attribute models between NUVA and SNOMED. | ||
+ | - Finalize documentation. | ||
+ | - Work on automation and better internationalization (e.g., translation). | ||
+ | - Decide on a long-term **production schedule** for maintaining and updating the extension. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | This presentation showcased how NUVA is not just interoperable with SNOMED CT—it is now being **formally integrated** as an extension. While some technical mismatches remain, the groundwork is laid for a collaborative and sustainable pathway to global vaccine coding harmonization. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | REAL-WORD USE CASES - GLOBAL AND EUROPEAN UNION | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== EU Strategy for Cross-Border Vaccination Records ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Georgios Margetidis, Health and Digital European Agency (HaDEA)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key points === | ||
+ | Georgios presented the frame for the European Commission (EC) actions in the field of digital health. | ||
+ | |||
+ | According to the European treaties, health is a national competence of Member States. Apart from specific cases regarding cross-border continuity of care, the EC actions can only be incentives. This has been achieved so far through studies, recommendations, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation, published in March 2025, creates a new context for digital health, with the obligation for Member States to progressively build up interoperability across electronic health records both for primary and secondary use of data. | ||
+ | |||
+ | An harmonized approach for recording administered vaccines would be a significant contribution to this objective. Patient summaries, including vaccination history, should be exchangeable across all Member States by March 2029. | ||
+ | === In summary === | ||
+ | The EHDS regulation allows the EC to become prescriptive on interoperability. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== View from the Industry (ePIL & NUVA Integration) ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Ingrid Weindorfer, Vaccines Europe// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This presentation provided the industry perspective on how NUVA supports digital innovation in vaccine communication, | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Vaccines Europe’s Mission**: As a specialized group within the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), Vaccines Europe represents major vaccine manufacturers in Europe. Their mission is to promote **innovation and recognition of life-course immunization**, | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **The ePIL Project (EUVABECO)**: | ||
+ | - **Package Leaflet (PL):** Patient-facing | ||
+ | - **Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC):** For healthcare professionals | ||
+ | - **Labelling: | ||
+ | * **NUVA' | ||
+ | - The NUVA code maps to the correct ePIL. | ||
+ | - This improves coordination across borders, especially for products approved centrally or through mutual recognition. | ||
+ | * **Structured Link Format**: | ||
+ | * **Future Opportunities**: | ||
+ | - Manufacturers publish link files directly. | ||
+ | - Associations between **Data Carrier Identifiers** (e.g., DataMatrix codes on packaging) and ePILs are managed through NUVA. | ||
+ | This would allow **medical records to be populated automatically** with key vaccine info (e.g., code, batch number, expiry), streamlining the vaccination process and enhancing accuracy. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | NUVA is already proving valuable in linking vaccination history to regulatory product information. From an industry perspective, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== WHO Drug and IDMP ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Malin Fladvad, Uppsala Monitoring Centre// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Malin Fladvad shared a global pharmacovigilance perspective and explained how WHO Drug and ISO IDMP standards contribute to vaccine tracking and terminology alignment worldwide. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points == | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **About the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC)**: UMC is an independent, | ||
+ | * **Adverse Event Reporting and Challenges** | ||
+ | - **VigiBase** contains **40 million+ records**, including **5.8 million for COVID-19 vaccines**. | ||
+ | - Reports are coded using **WHODrug Global**, a standardized dictionary of medicines and vaccines. | ||
+ | - Many COVID vaccine reports were vague—coded as simply " | ||
+ | - WHODrug helps normalize inconsistent names (e.g., trade vs. generic) and supports multilingual contexts. | ||
+ | * **WHODrug Global** | ||
+ | - Contains over **600,000 unique drug names** from 170+ countries, including **3,000+ vaccine entries**. | ||
+ | - Updated **twice a year**, and used in clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, | ||
+ | - Available via downloadable files, API, and the WHODrug Insight browser. | ||
+ | * **Draft Mappings with NUVA**: The presentation shared early mappings between **WHODrug codes and NUVA valences**, showing how both systems can complement each other. Example mappings included: | ||
+ | - **Polio Vaccines** (e.g., mOPV1, IPV) | ||
+ | - **HPV Vaccines** (e.g., Gardasil, Cervarix) | ||
+ | - **Yellow Fever Vaccines** (e.g., Amaril) | ||
+ | * **Introduction to ISO IDMP Standards**: | ||
+ | - IDMP (Identification of Medicinal Products) is a global effort to assign **consistent identifiers** to pharmaceutical and medicinal products. | ||
+ | - IDMP distinguishes between **Pharmaceutical Products** (e.g., substance-based) and **Medicinal Products** (e.g., commercial items). | ||
+ | - WHODrug is being aligned with IDMP to ensure better data exchange, especially in adverse event reporting and clinical trials. | ||
+ | * **Global Collaboration via GIDWG**: The **Global IDMP Working Group** is coordinating international implementation. Pre-production data is expected by **2026**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | UMC’s work with WHODrug, combined with ISO IDMP standards, lays the foundation for **standardized vaccine identification and global data exchange**. Their draft mappings with NUVA highlight how systems from different domains can collaborate to improve the accuracy and utility of vaccine data across the world. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | REAL-WORK USE CASES - COUNTRIES | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Luxembourg Experience ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Maud Delporte (Agence eSanté Luxembourg)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Maud Delporte shared the ongoing efforts in Luxembourg to digitize and centralize vaccine histories through the **Carnet de Vaccination Électronique (CVE)**—a national immunization registry built with NUVA at its core. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **What is CVE?**: The **CVE** is Luxembourg’s national system for digital vaccination records. It should not be confused with EVC (Electronic Vaccine Card), though it may serve as its foundation in the future. CVE records are centralized and integrated into the national health document repository (DSP). | ||
+ | * **Adoption and Participation**: | ||
+ | - **58,000 digital records** after just one year. | ||
+ | - Population: ~666,000. | ||
+ | - Growth rate: **~3% per month**. | ||
+ | * **Workflow Integration and NUVA Usage** | ||
+ | - Vaccine boxes are scanned using **Datamatrix codes**, which capture the **GTIN** and link it directly to a **NUVA code**. | ||
+ | - This enables traceability from vaccine **delivery to administration**. | ||
+ | - NUVA-powered drug data flow supports **automatic vaccination registration**. | ||
+ | * **Clinical Decision Support Integration** | ||
+ | - The system supports **decision support** by linking administered vaccines to valences. | ||
+ | - This allows for dose tracking, eligibility reminders, and clinical auditing. | ||
+ | * **Forward-Looking Plans** | ||
+ | - CVE will evolve into a full **EVC** for Luxembourg. | ||
+ | - Plans to integrate CVE with **Luxembourg’s national drug database**. | ||
+ | - This opens the door for future **ePrescription** and deeper **interoperability with European vaccine systems**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | Luxembourg’s CVE initiative is a model of practical, NUVA-based vaccine data management. It shows how even a small country can build a **scalable, standards-based digital immunization registry** with clinical and logistical value. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== The EUVABECO EVC Project ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Alain Cimino (Cimbiose)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This session introduced the broader European effort to develop and pilot the **Electronic Vaccination Card (EVC)** as part of the EUVABECO initiative, a post-pandemic collaboration across nine countries. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Background and Origins**: The EVC concept was already under development before COVID-19, but the pandemic accelerated its relevance and scope. | ||
+ | - A 2018 EU Council Recommendation prompted exploration of a shared vaccination card. | ||
+ | - The **EUVABECO project** emerged from follow-up research to develop **practical tools for implementation**, | ||
+ | * **Project Structure and Scope** | ||
+ | - 15 partners from 9 countries | ||
+ | - 18 pilot projects running from Jan 2024 to June 2026 | ||
+ | - €8.4M total budget | ||
+ | - Applies a structured industrial **V-Cycle process**: **Verify and Validate** | ||
+ | * **Five Pre-Selected Tools** | ||
+ | - **Forecasting Tool** – Predict outcomes of vaccination programs. | ||
+ | - **Data Linkage System** – Identify and reach vulnerable populations. | ||
+ | - **Clinical Decision Support (CDS)** – Personalized vaccine guidance. | ||
+ | - **ePIL (Electronic Patient Information Leaflet)** – Improve cross-border product understanding. | ||
+ | - **EVC (Electronic Vaccination Card)** – A portable digital and human-readable vaccination record. | ||
+ | * **About the EVC** | ||
+ | - Designed to be **decentralized and interoperable** across EU Member States. | ||
+ | - Comes in **two formats**: | ||
+ | - Human-readable (for individuals) | ||
+ | - Digitally readable (by apps and health systems) | ||
+ | - **NUVA is embedded** in the QR code to standardize vaccine representation and enable cross-border understanding. | ||
+ | - Supports **deduplication, | ||
+ | * **Pilots for EVC** | ||
+ | - Currently underway in **Belgium, Germany, Greece, and Latvia**. | ||
+ | - EVC is being integrated into national Immunization Information Systems (IIS). | ||
+ | - Pilots are testing **reading and reconciliation of vaccine history across borders**. | ||
+ | * **Future Outlook** | ||
+ | - Project deliverables (like EVC specifications and tooling) will become **EU public goods**. | ||
+ | - NUVA is positioned as a **long-term framework** for vaccine code mapping and standardization. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | The EVC, supported by the EUVABECO consortium, is shaping up to be a **cornerstone of EU vaccine interoperability**. With NUVA embedded at its core, this project not only strengthens citizen access and trust but also lays the groundwork for seamless **data-driven vaccination care across Europe**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== North American Experiences ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Shannon Coleman (STCHealth)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Shannon Coleman provided a comprehensive overview of vaccine coding practices and challenges in North America, drawing from her experience at STCHealth—a software vendor and integrator supporting immunization data exchange across various sectors. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **STCHealth’s Role**: | ||
+ | * **Vaccine Code Systems in the U.S.**: Shannon outlined several coding systems commonly used in the U.S. Each plays a role in recording, billing, and reporting—but integrating them smoothly remains a challenge: | ||
+ | - **CVX** (Vaccines Administered) | ||
+ | - **MVX** (Manufacturer Codes) | ||
+ | - **NDC** (National Drug Codes) | ||
+ | - **CPT** (Current Procedural Terminology) | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **The Code Creation Pipeline**: A key highlight was how **complex** the process is to establish and disseminate a new vaccine code: | ||
+ | - One diagram showed the **approval and creation pipeline** for CVX/NDC codes. | ||
+ | - Another diagram illustrated the **adoption process**, revealing multiple layers of system updates, testing, and communication that are often underestimated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **IIS Code Management Realities**: | ||
+ | - **Manual** – Fully dependent on staff entry. | ||
+ | - **Hybrid** – Partially automated with staff validation. | ||
+ | - **Service-Based** – Centralized services update local systems. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **IZ Gateway**: The **IZ Gateway** initiative is helping improve interoperability among U.S. state IISs. However, it still faces limitations, | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **International Use Case: Qatar**: Shannon shared STCHealth’s experience in **Qatar**, where their system had to be adapted to support **non-U.S. vaccines**. This highlighted the U.S.-centric design of many current tools and underscored the need for more **globally adaptable code frameworks**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Looking Ahead**: | ||
+ | - Improve internal coordination and tooling for managing vaccine codes. | ||
+ | - Enhance **national release mechanisms** for vaccine codes from CDC. | ||
+ | - Create guidance documents and dictionaries to define key terms and concepts for more consistent implementations. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | |||
+ | This session demonstrated the **technical complexity and operational reality** of managing vaccine codes in the U.S. It also showed how experiences from international deployments (like Qatar) reveal the need for globally harmonized coding systems—something initiatives like NUVA can help support. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Canadian Experience ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Myriam Talantikit (Canada Health Infoway)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This presentation provided an overview of how vaccine data is standardized, | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Canada Health Infoway (CHI)**: CHI is a national, independent, | ||
+ | * **Decentralized Immunization Registries** | ||
+ | - Canada does **not have a national immunization registry**. | ||
+ | - Each **Province and Territory (P/T)** maintains its own system, with exceptions in places like **Nunavut** (no registry) and **Northwest Territories** (uses EMRs). | ||
+ | - These registries are confidential and population-based. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **National Vaccine Catalogue (NVC)** | ||
+ | - Serves as the central repository of vaccine information in Canada. | ||
+ | - Leverages **SNOMED CT CA** and integrates with other terminologies like DIN, lot numbers, and expiry dates. | ||
+ | - Supported by a **national terminology server** that offers consistent terminology access. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **National Terminology Service (NTS)** | ||
+ | - Provides access to a wide range of terminologies including SNOMED CT CA, LOINC, pCLOCD, UCUM, and others. | ||
+ | - Benefits include: | ||
+ | - **Centralized access**, frequent updates, and FHIR compatibility. | ||
+ | - Improved **semantic interoperability** across systems. | ||
+ | - Tools for **concept mapping, validation, and expansion**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework (pCHDCF)** | ||
+ | - Developed by CIHI to **standardize person-centric data** across care settings. | ||
+ | - Focuses on data modeling, semantic consistency, | ||
+ | - Serves as the foundation for national interoperability efforts. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Pan-Canadian Patient Summary (PS-CA)** | ||
+ | - A localized implementation of the **International Patient Summary (IPS)**. | ||
+ | - Built using HL7 FHIR profiles, it enables portable and shareable patient summaries across Canadian jurisdictions. | ||
+ | - Actively developed in collaboration with provincial stakeholders. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Successes: | ||
+ | - Rapid support and adoption for COVID-19 vaccine codes. | ||
+ | - National RFC (Request For Change) process in place. | ||
+ | - Strong alignment between NVC and CHI terminologies. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Challenges: | ||
+ | - **Outdated and local terminologies** persist in some jurisdictions. | ||
+ | - High barrier to **SNOMED adoption** for smaller organizations. | ||
+ | - Complexity in managing thousands of terminology copies. | ||
+ | - Some legacy tools like patient picklists are underutilized or outdated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Discussion on Canadian Vaccine Catalogue (CVC)** | ||
+ | - During Q&A, participants asked about the now-discontinued **CVC** previously managed by CanImmunize. | ||
+ | - While the CVC was previously compared with NUVA, it is no longer in use and considered **outdated** in current Canadian practice. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | Canada’s vaccine coding landscape is evolving, with strong national leadership in terminology and standards through CHI. Despite the **decentralized registry model**, shared tools like the NVC, national terminology server, and PS-CA are improving **interoperability and standardization**—laying a foundation for long-term digital immunization strategies. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | IMPLEMENTING NUVA FOR INTEROPERABILITY | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Mapping Across Code Systems ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: Timothée Doulut (SYADEM)// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Timothée Doulut demonstrated how the NUVA system supports cross-mapping between various vaccine coding systems, using valences as the unifying conceptual anchor. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **From Valences to Vaccines**: | ||
+ | Once valences are known, the NUVA system can identify the corresponding vaccine codes. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Mapping Tools at nuva.syadem.com**: | ||
+ | - NUVA vaccine codes | ||
+ | - Associated valences | ||
+ | - Brand or abstract vaccine concepts | ||
+ | |||
+ | * The system supports both: | ||
+ | - **Direct mapping** (e.g., a specific product like PRIORIX) | ||
+ | - **Indirect mapping** via shared valences (e.g., DTaP/Hib combinations) | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Handling Missing or New Concepts**: If an external code has no match in NUVA: | ||
+ | - It is assessed by reviewing disease coverage, product name, dose, and formulation. | ||
+ | - If new valences are needed, they are created. | ||
+ | - If the vaccine is already covered by existing valences, a **new vaccine concept** is added using those valences. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Decision-Making Process**: | ||
+ | - Determine if the code is **abstract or concrete**. | ||
+ | - Identify associated **diseases** and **valences**. | ||
+ | - Evaluate whether to **reuse** or **create** a concept. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * The goal is always to preserve semantic precision while supporting practical interoperability. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Terminology Sensitivities: | ||
+ | - Intended meaning: a **generalized vaccine concept** not tied to a specific product. | ||
+ | - However, participants from the **vaccine manufacturing sector** noted that “generic” implies **non-branded biosimilar drugs**, which do not yet exist for vaccines. | ||
+ | - Outcome: The group agreed to **avoid using " | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | This session highlighted how **NUVA’s valence-driven approach** supports efficient and scalable mapping across multiple vaccine coding systems. The demonstration of the mapping tool and discussion around concept management illustrated how NUVA is built to **bridge gaps** between fragmented code systems, while adapting respectfully to stakeholder language and expectations. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Metrics on Code Systems ==== | ||
+ | //Speaker: François Kaag (IVCI/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | François Kaag introduced a method for using NUVA to generate metrics that evaluate the completeness, | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Key Points === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * **Abstract vs. Concrete Vaccines**: François clarified the terminology around **abstract vaccines**—concepts that describe the vaccine type or valence structure without referring to a branded product. Examples: | ||
+ | - " | ||
+ | - " | ||
+ | - Branded vaccines like " | ||
+ | * He introduced the **" | ||
+ | * **Completeness and Precision Metrics**: NUVA can be used to compare how well other coding systems: | ||
+ | - **Completeness**: | ||
+ | - **Precision**: | ||
+ | * Example findings: | ||
+ | - **CVX** covers 88% of NUVA concepts with 82% precision. | ||
+ | - **ATC** covers 83%, but precision is only 71%. | ||
+ | - **CVC** is lower on both measures. | ||
+ | - **CNK** has very low completeness and high ambiguity (precision not calculated). | ||
+ | * **Redundancy** | ||
+ | Redundancy measures how many codes in an external system map to the same NUVA concept. This isn’t necessarily a flaw—it often reflects the external system' | ||
+ | * Example: | ||
+ | - CVX-120 and CVX-170 both map to the same NUVA concept (DTaP/ | ||
+ | - CNK codes include both flask and syringe presentations for the same vaccine. | ||
+ | * **Tooling and Results**: A Python script (`NUVA_Eval.py`) was introduced to calculate these metrics. | ||
+ | - Input: a CSV mapping file. | ||
+ | - Output: metrics for **completeness**, | ||
+ | - Reference materials and code are available at: https:// | ||
+ | * **Interpreting the Metrics**: These metrics are **not absolute quality scores**—they must be interpreted based on the **intended purpose** of the code system: | ||
+ | - A code system may be highly **complete** but imprecise (e.g., a generic “Any Vaccine” code). | ||
+ | - Conversely, pharmaceutical databases may be **highly precise** but unable to represent historical or abstract vaccination records. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In Summary === | ||
+ | |||
+ | NUVA provides a structured way to **evaluate and compare vaccine coding systems**. By analyzing how abstract and concrete vaccine concepts are covered and differentiated, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Next Steps and Closing Discussion ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nathan Bunker led a forward-looking session to explore how IVC and NUVA could become self-sustaining. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Key themes from breakout and group discussion: | ||
+ | * There’s demand for a formal entity like IVC to exist. | ||
+ | * Participants saw alignment with major initiatives (e.g., HL7, SNOMED, AIRA). | ||
+ | * Suggested model: Not a standalone organization, | ||
+ | * Feedback on sustainability: | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Feedback from Menti:** | ||
+ | * Consider operating under SNOMED as a working group. | ||
+ | * Focus on open community access. | ||
+ | * Seek philanthropic funding (e.g., Gates Foundation). | ||
+ | * Clarify roles, responsibilities, | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Closing Remarks: | ||
+ | Despite a few early departures, the day ended with energy and optimism. Feedback was positive, and the technical direction of NUVA was affirmed. The key challenge ahead is ensuring long-term viability—through partnerships, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Next Meeting Planning ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Discussion emphasized “piggybacking” IVC sessions onto existing events. Ideas included: | ||
+ | * October 2025 SNOMED Meeting in Antwerp (SNOMED offered hosting a small IVC group). | ||
+ | * AIRA National Meeting inclusion. | ||
+ | * HL7 or other standards meetings. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The consensus: IVC should position itself as a collaborative infrastructure partner—bridging multiple organizations working toward better vaccine interoperability. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Slide decks ===== | ||
+ | ^ Slides | ||
+ | | **TRAINING SESSION** | ||
+ | | {{ ivc_training_2025-05-08-nathan.pdf | Training session}} | N. BUNKER & F. KAAG| IVCI | | ||
+ | | **FOUNDATIONS AND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES** ||| | ||
+ | |{{ a01-nb-goals_of_the_meeting.pdf | Goals of the meeting}} | N. BUNKER | IVCI | | ||
+ | |{{ a03-fk-nuva-_why_it_matters.pdf | NUVA - What it is and why it matters}} | F. KAAG |IVCI| | ||
+ | | {{a04-jlk-_valence_concept.pdf |How NUVA uses valences to standardize vaccine codes}} | JL. KOECK | SYADEM | | ||
+ | |{{ a05_nuva_extension_to_snomed_ct.pdf |The NUVA extension to SNOMED CT}} |S.ROY & P. WILLIAMS |SNOMED International | | ||
+ | | **READ WORLD USE CASES - GLOBAL AND EUROPEAN UNION** | | | | ||
+ | | EU strategy for cross-border vaccination records | G. MARGETIDIS |HaDEA | | ||
+ | | {{ b01-iw-view_from_the_industry.pdf| View from the industry }} | I. WEINDORFER | Vaccines Europe | | ||
+ | | {{ b04-mf-whodrug_and_idmp_for_vaccines.pdf | WHO Drug and IDMP}} | M. FLADVAD | Uppsala Monitoring Centre | | ||
+ | | **REAL WORLD USE CASES - COUNTRIES** | | | | ||
+ | | {{ c01-md-luxembourg_experience.pdf | Luxembourg experience}} |M. DELPORTE |Agence eSanté Luxembourg | | ||
+ | | {{ d02-sc-us_-_vaccine_coding.pdf | North American experiences }} |S. COLEMAN |STC Health| | ||
+ | | {{ d03-mt-canada_experiences_in_vaccine_coding.pdf | Canada experiences}} | M. TALANTIKIT | Canada Health Infoway | | ||
+ | | **IMPLEMENTING NUVA FOR INTEROPERABILITY** | | | | ||
+ | | {{ e01-td-transcoding_and_aligning.pdf | Mapping across code systems}} |T. DOULUT |SYADEM | | ||
+ | | {{ e02-fk-metrics.pdf | Metrics on code systems}} |F. KAAG |IVCI | | ||
+ | | **NEXT ACTIONS** | | | | ||
+ | | {{ f01-nb-next_actions.pdf | Next actions}} |N. BUNKER |IVCI | | ||