Vaccination Week Americas Launches in Canada Targeting 7.2 Million Unvaccinated Children

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Vaccination Week in the Americas launches in Canada, with a call for renewed action to protect all through immunization

The initiative aims to close persistent immunization gaps by reaching more than 7.2 million children with zero or incomplete vaccination status, as countries respond to rising measles cases in the Region.

Ottawa, Canada, April 27, 2026 (PAHO)— The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today launched the 24th Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) in Ottawa, Canada, marking the first time the regional campaign has been inaugurated in the country. Held alongside Canada’s National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW), the event underscores the critical role of vaccines in protecting lives and the urgent need to close immunization gaps across the Region.

“Vaccination Week is an emblematic initiative that has united our Region around a shared purpose: protecting lives through immunization. This collective effort reflects our conviction that health is a public good that must be built and protected together,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.

Regional launch of the 24th Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) in Ottawa, Canada.

This year’s theme, “Your decision makes the difference. Immunization for all,” highlights how individual choices to vaccinate contribute to the protection of entire communities.

Dr. Barbosa thanked Canada for hosting the regional launch and recognized its continued commitment to strengthening immunization programs, including efforts to restore measles elimination status. He also acknowledged the country’s response to recent measles outbreaks, highlighting the role of high vaccination coverage, strong surveillance, and clear communication to counter misinformation.

“Last November Canada lost its measles elimination status, a status we have maintained since 1998. Losing elimination status is a sobering development and a difficult wake-up call. In Canada, we believe in science and we value our scientists,” said Canada’s Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel. “Canada has a proud history of research, and our scientists have helped lead the global development of this groundbreaking technology. But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccines through community engagement.”

Since its creation in 2003, Vaccination Week in the Americas has enabled countries to administer more than 1.2 billion vaccine doses, contributing to the elimination or control of diseases such as polio, measles, and rubella.

This year, countries across the Region are intensifying efforts: more than 20 countries have committed to administering nearly 90 million vaccine doses, reaching over 7.2 million children who have missed routine immunizations, and delivering more than 80 million influenza vaccines in preparation for seasonal peaks.

While vaccination coverage has begun to recover following declines recorded during and even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is estimated that five million children in the Americas did not receive any routine vaccines between 2022 and 2024. These gaps are concentrated particularly in peri-urban areas, remote communities, and among Indigenous populations, migrants, and refugees.

“This situation is not acceptable—but it is within our reach to overcome,” Dr. Barbosa said.

The Region has also seen the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles. “The re-emergence of measles in the Americas is a significant setback,” Dr. Barbosa said. “The Americas have eliminated measles before—and we can do it again—but only with sustained coverage above 95% in every community.”

To address these challenges, PAHO is working with countries to advance four key priorities: strengthening routine childhood vaccination, especially against measles; accelerating efforts to eliminate cervical cancer through HPV vaccination; expanding regional vaccine manufacturing and access through pooled procurement mechanisms; and introducing new vaccines across the life course as part of primary health care.

Dr. Barbosa emphasized that sustained investment in immunization is essential. “Immunization is one of the smartest investments in health; when it declines, systems weaken and diseases return,” he said.

He also highlighted the need to counter misinformation and rebuild trust in vaccines. “Addressing misinformation requires not only data, but also listening, empathy, and clear communication,” he said.

Canada’s National Immunization Awareness Week, held annually in the last week of April, complements regional efforts by encouraging people of all ages to stay up to date with recommended vaccines and reinforcing public confidence in immunization.

“Canada is committed to vaccination as a cornerstone of public health, both domestically and globally. Diseases do not respect borders, and Canada is committed to working collaboratively with other countries to prevent and respond to global health threats,” Minister Michel added.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions. Globally, vaccines prevent more than two million deaths each year, and in the Americas, immunization has saved millions of lives and prevented billions of cases of disease over the past decades.

Closing the event, Dr. Barbosa called for renewed commitment across sectors. “Let every day be an open door, every conversation a chance to build trust, and every vaccine a step toward a healthier future,” he said. “Together, we are stronger than any threat we face.”

Vaccination Week in the Americas also aligns with World Immunization Week (24–30 April 2026), led by the World Health Organization (WHO). The regional initiative in the Americas originally inspired the creation of this global campaign, which this year promotes the theme “For every generation, vaccines work.”

News Releases Cervical cancer Immunization Measles Brasil Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO/WHO Director Comprehensive Immunization (CIM)

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