Over the past 50 years, immunization has been one of Public Health’s most important accomplishments. It has led to the elimination, containment and control of diseases that were once very common in Canada. Children in the past were commonly hospitalized or died from diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, and polio. Although these infections are seen in different regions of the world, they rarely occur in Canada. If immunization was to decrease or stop, many infections would become more prevalent in Canada. Recent outbreaks of measles are loud reminders of such risk.
Vaccine hesitancy is increasing in Canada and throughout the world. Although the majority of Canadians are relatively-well immunized based on current recommendations, there are an increasing proportion of individuals who either refuse or are hesitant to receive vaccines. Others are just unaware of current recommendations for adults. Clinicians can help to address vaccine hesitancy by building confidence in vaccines and the Canadian immunization system.
This program has received an educational grant or in-kind support from GlaxoSmithKline.