OTTAWA — Canada's independent public health advocate is calling for a national immunization registry as the country looks to renew its Health Accord in 2014.

The Canadian Public Health Association says the patchwork of immunization approaches currently in effect need to be harmonized across the country.

Association CEO Debra Lynkowski says a national registry would ensure all Canadians are equally protected against vaccine-preventable illnesses -- regardless of age, socio-economic status or where they live.

Lynkowski says collecting immunization data in such a country-wide registry would modernize the way jurisdictions communicate patients' immunization records and would help ensure high coverage rates.

The registry would also provide better opportunities for research, vaccine promotion and education.

The association's recommendations are the results of a dialogue with government leaders, industry representatives and public health stakeholders.