The C.D. Howe Institute is raising the alarm over dangerously low vaccination rates amongst adult Canadians, despite clinical evidence showing the value of immunization.
The report is titled "Not Just for Kids: How to Improve Adult Vaccination Uptake in Canada."
It found that across the provinces and territories vaccination rates for preventable diseases -- like influenza, pertussis (whooping cough) and pneumonia -- are well below national targets of around 80%.
Three general reasons for the issue have been dubbed the "Three Cs": Confidence in a vaccine's effectiveness, Complacency of risk perception, and Convenience in accessing service.
Recommendations include: Creating an adult immunization database, expanding the role for pharmacies, and creating a national vaccine list for adults.
Author Colin Busby says better and more regular uptake of vaccines could improve health outcomes for Canadian adults, and offset some of the economic challenges of an aging society.