According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the evidence indicates that not all Canadians get immunized – this results in periodic outbreaks of illnesses such as measles – which is serious and can result in death or disability.¹ PHAC reports that the while the majority of Canadian children are immunized against common illness such as measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis and polio, 25% of children have not received the full four recommended doses of the diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and tetanus vaccine by age two.² According to Dr. Gregory Taylor, Chief Public Health Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada, “All Canadians have a role to play in keeping vaccine-preventable diseases at bay. Speak to your health care provider if you have questions. Immunization is a cornerstone of public health – make sure you and your family are protected.”

¹Public Health Agency of Canada. 2016. Message from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada: National Immunization Awareness Week April 23 to 30, 2016.
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1056479&tp=980

²Public Health Agency of Canada. 2016. Vaccine Coverage in Canadian Children: Results from the 2013 childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey.
http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/publications/healthy-living-vie-saine/immunization-coverage-children-2013-couverture-vaccinale-enfants/index-eng.php?_ga=1.10659505.462930771.1474382704