New statistics released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveal a concerning trend in hospitalisation rates due to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. In 2024, nearly 60,000 Canadians faced hospitalisation for what CIHI categorises as “vaccine-preventable respiratory hospitalisations.” With vaccine uptake dwindling, the health system is grappling with an increased burden that threatens to overwhelm healthcare resources.
A Worrying Surge in Hospitalisations
The data from CIHI indicates that respiratory illnesses, particularly influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accounted for over half of these hospital admissions, while COVID-19 contributed to more than 40 per cent. Melanie Josée Davidson, director of the health system performance team at CIHI, emphasised the ongoing challenge posed by these illnesses. “Although we are not witnessing hospitalisation rates as high as during the pandemic, around 40 per cent of last year’s hospitalisations were still related to COVID-19. This is a new reality we must confront,” she stated.
The statistics reflect a significant increase, with 142 hospitalisations per 100,000 Canadians in 2024 compared to just 66 per 100,000 in 2019. Davidson highlighted the strain on the healthcare system, noting that the average hospital stay for a COVID-19 patient is approximately 23 days, costing the system around £28,500 per admission. “Our hospitals are full, and many are frequently operating beyond capacity,” she added.
The Impact on Patient Care
Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, expressed deep concern over the current situation. He described the rising number of patients admitted for respiratory illnesses as a “red flag” for the healthcare system. “The challenge lies in our ability to increase hospital capacity and staff efficiently; constructing new facilities can take a decade from funding to completion,” he pointed out.
The influx of patients suffering from respiratory illnesses hampers the ability to treat those with unrelated medical issues. “When there’s a surge in patients during respiratory virus season, combined with COVID-19 cases, it places unnecessary pressure on the system,” Razak explained.
Declining Vaccination Rates
Compounding the issue, the Government of Canada reported a significant drop in vaccination rates, with only 26 per cent of Canadian adults receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in the autumn of 2024. Seniors aged 65 and over had the highest vaccination coverage at 54 per cent, while only 33 per cent of adults received the seasonal influenza vaccine during the 2024-2025 season. Natasha Crowcroft, vice-president of infectious diseases and vaccination programmes at the Public Health Agency of Canada, noted that these figures indicate a failure in the public health system to adequately reach out to individuals needing immunisations.
“It is disheartening to witness individuals who could avoid hospitalisation suffering due to low vaccination uptake,” she remarked. Crowcroft underscored the importance of vaccinations, particularly for older adults, who accounted for 46 per cent of all hospitalisations related to vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases in 2024. “Encouraging healthcare providers and caregivers in long-term care settings to get vaccinated is crucial; it protects not only the individual but also those around them,” she stated.
The Path Forward
Dr. Razak shared that many patients express regret about not getting vaccinated sooner. “After experiencing a hospital stay due to these illnesses, many vow to get vaccinated next year,” he observed. He likened vaccination to wearing a seatbelt—an essential precaution that provides peace of mind. “We need to foster a mindset among Canadians that getting vaccinated is a straightforward method to safeguard one’s health,” he urged.
As the healthcare system continues to face unprecedented challenges, the need for a robust vaccination strategy becomes increasingly vital.
Why it Matters
The data from CIHI serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of respiratory illnesses on Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in the context of declining vaccination rates. As the country navigates the complexities of managing these health crises, it is essential to prioritise public health initiatives that encourage immunisation. By addressing these shortcomings, we can alleviate the strain on hospitals and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the necessary protection against preventable diseases.