Make sure your family's vaccines are up to date

Illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and influenza are returning with a vengeance, after years of lower infection rates.

Health & Wellness Canada describes the bigger picture:

“The convergence of global travel, climate change, and evolving microbial resistance has created perfect conditions for disease re-emergence. Diseases once considered nearly eradicated in Canada now appear in clusters across urban and rural areas… What makes these re-emerging diseases particularly concerning is their ability to spread rapidly through populations with waning immunity.”¹

Consider measles, a very contagious airborne disease that tends to affect otherwise healthy children. When severe, measles can cause respiratory failure, swelling of the brain, and death.² Although considered eradicated in Canada in 1998, declining childhood vaccination rates have led to big jumps in infection in recent years.

Since 2024-25, measles outbreaks have been occurring in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick,¹ as well as the US,³ and in 2023, Europe had a 30-fold increase in measles cases compared to 2022.⁴

Not surprising, since one person with measles can infect up to 18 others in an unvaccinated population. The good news is that two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide close to 100% protection.¹

Whooping cough (pertussis) is also increasing in Canada,⁵ the US,⁶ and Europe⁷. Transmitted by respiratory droplets, this very contagious bacterial illness commonly spreads among household contacts. Those not vaccinated, especially infants, are at greatest risk.

Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough that worsens and can persist for weeks. The only symptom in infants may be apnea, when breathing temporarily stops. They are most likely to have severe complications including pneumonia, seizures, and death.

Vaccines that protect children against whooping cough are part of Canada's routine immunization program, beginning at two months old. One dose of Tdap vaccine is also recommended for adults age 18 or older, and for pregnant women to protect the baby for the first few months of life.⁸

Since the late fall in 2024, rates of influenza have been increasing to levels not seen in years, while RSV and COVID-19 continue to drop.

Pneumococcal, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available and can help lower your chances of contracting influenza and pneumonia or reduce its severity if you do get it. Despite an overall decline in deaths due to influenza and pneumonia since COVID-19, Canada saw deaths increase to almost 6,000 in 2022, up 45% from the previous year. And many more people who are elderly, bedridden, or chronically ill also lose their lives to these infections.⁹

Finally, be aware of norovirus, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Unlike other viruses, norovirus survives very well on surfaces, so is easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, food or water.

Norovirus “can really spread like wildfire”, as one expert put it, tends to cause outbreaks, especially in group settings or close quarters, from cruise ships to care homes. Because there is no vaccine, and the virus resists alcohol-based sanitizers, keeping hands and surfaces extra clean is our only defense.¹⁰

Ensuring that your family is up-to-date with their recommended vaccinations can avoid illness at home and while travelling. A few simple shots can help stop the spread of diseases that can be dangerous, especially to very young, older people, and those with chronic health problems.

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This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your doctor. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.