Canada Vaccination Rates Have Dropped Since 2019

Childhood immunization coverage has fallen below herd immunity thresholds, fueling recent disease outbreaks.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in COVID-19

Canada Vaccination Rates Have Dropped Since 2019

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Should Canada require stricter vaccination mandates for children to ensure population immunity?

Childhood vaccination rates in Canada have declined significantly since 2019, leaving immunization levels for diseases like measles and polio below critical herd immunity thresholds. This gap has contributed to more than 5,000 cases of measles across the country since November 2024.

Why it matters

Declining coverage is driven by a combination of systemic barriers, logistical challenges, and rising vaccine hesitancy. When vaccination rates fall below required levels, preventable diseases that were previously under control can re-emerge and circulate within vulnerable communities.

Measles vaccination coverage reached 85.3 percent by late 2025, falling short of the 95 percent required for herd immunity. Meanwhile, coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis plummeted to 69 percent, marking a steep drop from pre-pandemic levels.

The players

Public Health Agency of Canada

This federal agency is responsible for public health, disease surveillance, and the promotion of immunization programs across the country.

The details

The Public Health Agency of Canada reported that coverage for two-year-olds and seven-year-olds has decreased, with some specific communities seeing rates dip below 50 percent. Authorities note that medical system mistrust and logistical issues are key factors, while infants in Saskatchewan have become eligible for additional meningococcal doses to combat falling protection.

2019 served as the baseline for pre-pandemic vaccination coverage.
A measles outbreak began in Canada in November 2024.
Vaccination coverage data was reported through December 31, 2025.
Eligible infants became able to receive additional meningococcal vaccine doses in September 2026.
The Public Health Agency of Canada released the official vaccination report on October 7, 2026.

The Big Picture

This report highlights a departure from established immunization standards by documenting how current vaccination coverage in Canada has fallen below the herd immunity threshold for measles. The failure to maintain these levels threatens to undermine long-standing public health protections against infectious disease outbreaks.

Families may face changes to standard vaccination schedules or be advised to receive additional doses, such as the expanded meningococcal vaccine eligibility in Saskatchewan. Parents are encouraged to consult local health providers to verify their child's current immunization status and address any logistical barriers to accessing care.

The takeaway

Maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to preventing the resurgence of serious illnesses within the population. Ensuring children are up-to-date on their shots remains the most effective strategy for individuals to protect themselves and their local communities against preventable outbreaks.