Canada nearly eradicated Measles back in 1988. However, jump forward to this year, and there are 5,000 cases.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has stated that the country lost its measles elimination status. Last year, an outbreak swept across the provinces. Ontario and Alberta have been among those hit hardest.
“The [provinces] that have been impacted the most are the ones that are most populous,” says Dr. Joanne Kearon of the Middlesex-London Health Unit. Infected individuals need only sneeze, cough, or just breathe near others to spread it. Ontario had the highest number of cases at the beginning of this month. 2,393 cases have been reported in the province, according to government data.
A media release from the MLHU encourages Londoners to stay up-to-date on vaccines. “We must remain vigilant. A well-immunized community is a stronger, more resilient community,” says Dr. Kearon. A vaccine for measles was first developed back in 1963. Since then, it has been used worldwide to protect people’s health.
“While transmission has slowed recently, the outbreak has persisted for over 12 months, primarily within under-vaccinated communities,” says PHAC.
Mistrust and misinformation about vaccines spread like wildfire during the COVID-19 pandemic. Political figures like RFK Jr. and social media influencers like Joe Rogan have made comments that call into question the safety of vaccines. A survey by the Canadian Medical Association shows misinformation leads to delayed medical care, strained relationships with friends and family, and increased anxiety.
Additionally, not everyone has equal access to healthcare. “Many of the same structural and systemic factors that drive inequities in infectious disease burden also influence differential access to and uptake of vaccination,” said PHAC in a 2024 report. It points out a lack of accessibility and systemic racism as one of many factors that impact who gets vaccines.
The MLHU insists that even those without health cards, those who have just arrived in Canada within the past year, or those without a healthcare provider can receive vaccination. Londoners can find more information about immunization at the organization’s website.
