Vaccinations in Canada - Statistics & Facts
Vaccination involves a virus or bacteria being purposely introduced to an individual, usually through injection, in order for the person’s immune system to develop resistance to a specific disease. Vaccination is one of the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases and is responsible for the reduction of a number of diseases including measles and polio, and the complete eradication of small pox. In Canada, vaccinations have been responsible for an 87 percent decrease in whooping cough and a 99 percent decrease in measles, mumps, rubella and diphtheria. In 2019, around 90 percent of children in Canada had been vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella by their second birthday. Rates of influenza immunization among Canadians have fluctuated over the years, with 39 percent of Canadians receiving this vaccination in 2020.
