UNICEF says public notion of the significance of routine childhood vaccinations has declined by eight per cent in Canada since earlier than the pandemic.
A report issued by the company says that confidence in vaccination in opposition to ailments similar to measles, polio and tetanus fell in 52 out of 55 nations surveyed.
It says the proportion of Canadians who consider childhood immunizations are necessary decreased from 90 per cent to 82 per cent over the past three years.
Pediatric infectious ailments specialist Dr. Cora Constantinescu says UNICEF’s findings are important.
She says vaccine hesitancy and disrupted entry to routine vaccinations have each been issues in Canada throughout the pandemic.
Though greater than 80 per cent of Canadians nonetheless consider vaccines are necessary, Constantinescu says that’s not sufficient to attain a cushty degree of herd immunity in opposition to preventable childhood diseases.
She says there have been latest instances of measles, whooping cough, and meningococcal illness in varied components of Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed April 20, 2023.
Canadian Press well being protection receives assist by means of a partnership with the Canadian Medical Affiliation. CP is solely accountable for this content material.
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