Polio
Polio can lead to paralysis (not being able to move all or part of your body) and death. Before immunization, polio infected more than 5,000 Canadians every year. Thanks to the polio vaccine, between 2016 and 2020, there were 0 cases reported.
Diphtheria
In children under 5 years and adults older than 40 years, 2 to 4 out of 10 people who get diphtheria can die. Before immunization, diphtheria infected more than 9,000 Canadians every year. Thanks to the diphtheria vaccine, between 2016 and 2020, the highest number of cases reported in any year was 10.
Measles
1 in 1,000 people with measles will get encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which can lead to seizures, deafness, or brain damage. Before immunization, measles infected more than 60,000 Canadians every year. Thanks to the measles vaccine, between 2016 and 2020, the most cases reported in any year was about 100.
Rubella
If you get rubella while you're pregnant, it can cause loss of a baby during pregnancy or the baby may be born with disabilities. Before immunization, rubella infected more than 37,000 Canadians every year. Thanks to the rubella vaccine, between 2016 and 2020, the highest number of cases reported in any year was 1.
Invasive Hib
Hib can cause meningitis and lead to lifelong disabilities and death. Before immunization, invasive Hib infected more than 600 Canadians every year, and it was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Thanks to the Hib vaccine, between 2016 and 2020, the most cases of invasive Hib reported in a year was less than 20.
Pertussis (whooping cough)
In Canada 1 to 4 deaths are related to pertussis each year, most often in babies. Before immunization, pertussis infected almost 20,000 Canadians every year. Thanks to the pertussis vaccine, between 2016 and 2020, the most cases reported in any year was less than 4,000.
