With the global resurgence of many vaccine-preventable diseases, World Immunization Week (April 24-30) provides a timely opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the goal of “Immunization for All.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) raises awareness each year of the importance of equitable access to lifesaving and health-protecting vaccines. More than 154 million lives worldwide over the past 50 years have been saved by vaccines, excluding vaccines for COVID-19, malaria, influenza, human papilloma virus, and other deadly diseases.

Immunization programs underpin 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The global eradication of smallpox, 99 per cent reduction of wild polio cases since 1988, and 40 per cent reduction in infant mortality are why vaccines are celebrated among public health’s greatest achievements

Supported by a universal health-care system, strong public health infrastructure, and publicly funded programs, Canada has enjoyed a century of decline in diseases such as measles, diphtheria and pertussis thanks to vaccines.

Recent trends, however, are cause for concern. A decline in vaccine confidence, worsening since the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges of access and the inclusion of vaccines in partisan political rhetoric have led to reduced vaccine uptake.

In 2024, 17 per cent of Canadian parents were “really against” vaccinating their children, up from four per cent in 2019. The measles outbreak in Ontario, with more than 800 cases and 61 hospitalizations, are real consequences of these choices. The Council of Canadian Academies estimated that COVID-19........

© Vancouver Is Awesome