Lesa Semmler: Importance of Getting Vaccinated

Press Release

March 5, 2025

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect residents and communities from serious diseases. Today vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are weakening trust in science and public health. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, leaving residents,  especially Elders and children,  vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Right now, Canada is seeing more cases of influenza, measles, and pertussis. The NWT is not immune to these trends. Measles vaccination rates among two-year olds have dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to just over 82% in 2024;  well below the national target of 95%. Similarly, only 69% of two-year olds have received diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccination rates has also fallen, with only 18% of residents vaccinated this year. These low rates put our most vulnerable populations,children, Elders, and those with chronic conditions, at serious risk.

Mr. Speaker, vaccines save lives. They have drastically reduced deaths from diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria. But because these diseases are now rare in Canada, many people forget how dangerous they can be. Unfortunately, this sense of complacency, along with the rapid spread of misinformation online, is leading some to question the safety and importance of vaccines. Some are rejecting evidence-based science and falling for fear-driven messaging that puts lives at risk.

Vaccine misinformation spreads quickly through social media, making it harder for people to make informed choices.  We must push back against false claims with clear, fact-based communication that empowers people to make the best choice for their health.

At the same time, we recognize vaccine fatigue is real. The number of recommended vaccines has increased, and some people feel overwhelmed. We need to change the conversation from fear to empowerment. Vaccination is not about pressuring people; it is about giving them the tools to protect their loved ones and communities.

Mr. Speaker, Indigenous peoples in the NWT have long faced health inequities due to colonization and systemic racism. Historical traumas, such as forced residential schools and medical mistreatment, have created mistrust in the health care system, including vaccines. Addressing vaccine hesitancy in Indigenous communities requires more than facts; it requires rebuilding trust through culturally safe care and meaningful engagement with Indigenous leadership and knowledge keepers.

The resurgence of measles in Canada and the United States is alarming. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, infecting nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. If vaccination rates continue to decline, Canada could lose its measles elimination status it achieved in 1998.

Mr. Speaker, diseases do not respect borders. If vaccination rates do not improve, we increase the risk of outbreaks from outside the NWT. This puts countless lives at risk and adds further strain to our already overburdened healthcare system.

Vaccination is not just an individual choice; it is a collective responsibility. It protects those who cannot get vaccinated, such as newborns and those with compromised immune systems.

As Minister and former Public Health Nurse, I urge all residents to check their vaccination status and make sure they are up to date. Talk to your health care provider, visit your local public health unit, and get the information you need from trusted sources. Science has given us the tools to fight these diseases. It is up to us to use them.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

IHT4