Ottawa residents are being urged to review their vaccination status after a striking new national report revealed that hospitalization rates for vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses have more than doubled since before the pandemic — even as fewer Canadians are rolling up their sleeves for their shots.
The data, released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), shows that in 2024, hospitalizations for illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza were more than twice as high as pre-pandemic baselines. The trend is alarming public health experts across the country, including those tracking outcomes in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.
What the Numbers Show
CIHI's report highlights a troubling paradox: Canadians are being hospitalized at higher rates for diseases that vaccines can prevent or reduce in severity, yet vaccination uptake has been declining in recent years. The data suggests pandemic fatigue, misinformation, and reduced public health outreach have all contributed to a drop in coverage across age groups.
The report does not break down figures by city, but Ottawa — as one of Canada's largest urban centres with a significant proportion of older adults, healthcare workers, and immunocompromised residents — reflects the national trend.
Why Ottawa Should Pay Attention
Ottawa's healthcare system, anchored by The Ottawa Hospital and a network of community health centres, felt significant strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials have consistently warned that declining vaccination rates could put renewed pressure on hospital capacity, particularly heading into fall and winter respiratory seasons.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has previously noted that local flu vaccination rates dipped in recent years compared to the early pandemic period, when awareness around respiratory illness was at its peak. With COVID still circulating alongside influenza and RSV, health authorities are encouraging residents to think of annual vaccination as a routine part of staying healthy — not just a pandemic-era measure.
Who's Most at Risk
CIHI's findings emphasize that hospitalizations are not evenly distributed. Older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with underlying health conditions face the greatest risk of severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses. In Ottawa, where a large portion of the population works in healthcare, government, and education — settings where transmission can occur quickly — community vaccination rates have a direct impact on workplace safety and system resilience.
What You Can Do
Ottawa residents can check their vaccination status and book appointments through Ottawa Public Health's website or through their family doctor. Updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are typically available each fall, and many pharmacies across the city offer walk-in appointments.
If you're unsure whether you or a family member is up to date, OPH recommends checking your provincial immunization records and speaking with a healthcare provider. The message from public health is consistent: vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for staying out of hospital.
As Canada heads into another year with respiratory viruses circulating year-round, the CIHI data serves as a clear signal — both nationally and locally in Ottawa — that now is not the time to let guard down on routine immunization.
Source: CBC Ottawa / Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Read the original report.
