Recent findings from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) have unveiled a worrying trend: hospitalisation rates for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses remain alarmingly high, even as vaccination rates decline. In 2024, the CIHI reported that nearly 60,000 individuals were admitted due to what they classify as “vaccine-preventable respiratory hospitalisations.” This statistic underscores a continuing public health challenge as Canada navigates the complexities of ongoing respiratory infections.
Persistent Hospitalisation Rates
The data highlights a significant burden on Canada’s healthcare system, with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) accounting for over half of these hospital admissions, while COVID-19 made up more than 40 per cent. Melanie Josée Davidson, who leads the health system performance team at CIHI, noted, “Although hospitalisation rates are not as severe as during the pandemic, COVID-19 still accounts for approximately 40 per cent of the cases we are currently managing. This is a challenge we did not face prior to the pandemic, and it remains a concern we must address continuously.”
In 2024, the hospitalisation rate stood at 142 per 100,000 Canadians, a stark increase from 66 per 100,000 in 2019. Davidson pointed out that the average stay for a COVID-19 patient in hospital is around 23 days, costing approximately £23,000 per admission due to the extended duration of care required. She emphasised that many hospitals are operating at or beyond capacity, straining the system further.
The Impact on Healthcare Services
Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine specialist at St. Michael’s Hospital, expressed his concern regarding the influx of patients suffering from respiratory illnesses. He described the situation as a “red flag” for hospital capacity. “The challenge lies in enhancing the resources available to hospitals, be it through increased staffing or more beds,” he stated. “However, these solutions are not immediate; constructing new facilities alone can take a decade from the moment funding is secured.”
The pressure on hospitals is compounded by the influx of patients during peak respiratory virus seasons, which can occur nearly year-round. This influx not only impacts the treatment of respiratory illnesses but also affects care for individuals presenting with unrelated health issues. Razak added, “When hospitals are overwhelmed, it creates additional hurdles for all patients seeking care.”
Declining Vaccination Rates
Compounding the hospitalisation crisis is a marked decline in vaccination rates across Canada. According to government data, only 26 per cent of adults had received their COVID-19 vaccine by the fall of 2024, with seniors aged 65 and older having the highest uptake at 54 per cent. For seasonal influenza, the vaccination rate among adults was a mere 33 per cent during the 2024-2025 season.
Natasha Crowcroft, Vice-President of Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs with the Public Health Agency of Canada, highlighted the gravity of the situation. “The CIHI report indicates that our public health system is not effectively reaching people with the immunisations necessary to keep them healthy,” she remarked. “This is disheartening, especially considering that many of these individuals could avoid hospitalisation altogether with timely vaccinations.”
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
The findings also revealed that adults aged 75 years and older constituted nearly half (46 per cent) of all hospitalisations related to vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases in 2024. Davidson stressed that this demographic faces significant health risks and challenges in recovery. “It’s crucial for healthcare providers and caregivers of the elderly to prioritise vaccinations, as it protects not only the individuals but also those around them,” she urged.
Dr. Razak noted that many patients express regret for not having sought vaccination earlier. “Patients often reflect on their hospitalisation experience, with many vowing to get vaccinated in the future. It’s akin to wearing a seatbelt—an insurance policy that can significantly mitigate risk,” he explained.
Why it Matters
The persistent high rates of hospitalisations due to respiratory illnesses, coupled with declining vaccination uptake, present a dual challenge for Canada’s healthcare system. Addressing these issues is vital not only for the immediate protection of vulnerable populations but also for the long-term sustainability of healthcare services. As we move forward, it is imperative that public health campaigns intensify their efforts to engage communities, particularly those at higher risk, in order to bolster vaccination rates and ultimately reduce the strain on hospitals across the nation.
