New data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveals nearly 60,000 hospitalizations for vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses across Canada in 2024. Influenza and RSV accounted for over half of these cases, with COVID-19 contributing more than 40 percent.
Melanie Josée Davidson of CIHI stated these numbers significantly strain hospital capacity, noting that COVID-19 hospitalizations remain high, a new ongoing burden compared to pre-pandemic levels. The hospitalization rate has more than doubled since 2019.
An average COVID-19 hospitalization lasts 23 days and costs approximately $28,500. Hospitals are frequently operating over capacity, making it harder to treat patients with unrelated conditions.
Vaccination rates are a concern, with only 26 percent of Canadian adults vaccinated against COVID-19 in Fall 2024, and 33 percent vaccinated against seasonal influenza for the 2024-2025 season. Seniors aged 75 and older represent a significant portion of hospitalizations for these illnesses.
Experts emphasize that vaccinations are crucial preventative measures, acting as an insurance policy to reduce debilitating illness and the strain on healthcare services. Many patients express regret for not getting immunized sooner.