Immunization – the single most important public health triumph of the 20^th century

Immunization is critically important in the battle to control and eliminate infectious diseases. One hundred years ago, infectious diseases were the leading cause of death worldwide. In Canada, they now cause less than 5% of all deaths thanks to immunization programs undertaken from coast to coast.

Immunization is necessary for two reasons: to protect the individual and to protect communities. Vaccines protect an entire population by preventing the spread of disease from one individual to another: the more people immunized, the less chance for disease to circulate.

Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention.

Immunization is the single most cost-effective health investment, making immunization a cornerstone of efforts to promote health.

Click here for the complete list of national organizations which form the CCIAP.