For the first time in 24 years, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came to Ottawa to launch vaccination week in the Americas, highlighting Canada's recent loss of measles elimination status and underscoring the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. The event, hosted by CHEO president and CEO Dr. Vera Etches, took place Monday, April 27, at Library and Archives Canada and was livestreamed across the Americas.
Loss of Measles-Free Status
PAHO, which serves as the World Health Organization's regional office for the Americas, revoked Canada's measles-free status last November after a year-long outbreak resulted in more than 5,000 cases of the highly infectious disease. So far in 2026, there have been 871 cases across the country. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel called the loss of measles elimination status sobering. “It is a difficult wake-up call because in Canada we believe in science and we value our scientists,” she said. “But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccines through community engagement.”
Vaccination Rates Below Threshold
The measles vaccine is highly effective, but because the disease is so contagious, 95 percent of the population must be immunized to prevent outbreaks. Vaccination rates have steadily declined in Canada in recent years and remain below the threshold, in part due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, the rise of misinformation, and poor access to primary care. As of the end of 2024, just over 80 percent of two-year-olds in Canada were adequately vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella, according to Health Canada.
Michel said the federal government is working with provinces and territories, as well as agencies, to better understand the barriers to higher immunization rates in order to regain measles elimination status and increase vaccination rates. “Together we are going to make sure that our children receive all the vaccines that they need to protect themselves from diseases. Canada is firmly committed to advancing vaccination as a cornerstone of public health, both internationally and domestically,” she added.
Personal Stories and Community Impact
Canada's newly appointed chief public health officer, Dr. Joss Reimer, called measles elimination a “deeply personal topic for me.” She grew up in Winkler, Manitoba, which currently has one of the highest rates of measles in the country and, at one point, had the highest rate of measles in the Americas. Reimer noted that the majority of recent cases in Canada have been in highly connected, under-vaccinated communities, including Winkler. “This moment is very important for us,” she said. “This is a stark reminder of our continued vulnerability to disease.”
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, chair of Immunize Canada and a pediatric infectious disease physician at CHEO, expressed optimism that Canada can regain its measles elimination status, “but it is not going to be easy.” PAHO provided recommendations to help Canada regain its status, including strengthening monitoring and data sharing, combating misinformation, and addressing immunity gaps.
