Articles by Village Media

Health

VIDEO: Is Ontario allowing too many students to opt out of the measles vaccine?

Measles is back with a vengeance in parts of Canada — and the spread is so out of control that our country is no longer considered measles-free. For the first time in 27 years, the Pan American Health Organization has stripped Canada of its “measles elimination status.” Can we get it back? It will take some time and a lot of effort, says Dr. Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist at McMaster University. One of the most contagious diseases in the world, measles requires 95 per cent vaccination coverage to obtain herd immunity. But in Ontario, vaccination rates have steadily declined in recent years, contributing to the recent surge in cases. Bowdish says some of that decline can be blamed on the spread of misinformation about the safety of vaccines. But she also points to the family doctor shortage in Ontario, as well as funding gaps at local public health units. “Yes, misinformation is a problem, for sure. It's hard to quantitate how big a problem it is,” Bowdish said, during a recent interview on Village Media’s Closer Look podcast. “But most Canadian parents when they don't get [their kids] vaccinated, it’s an access issue, not a hard: ‘No, I don't deal with vaccines.’” For those who are hesitant about getting their children vaccinated, Bowdish says conversation — not criticism — is key. “You’ve got to answer people’s specific questions and talk to people directly and show that you care and that you're not just doing this to check off some government paperwork,” she told the podcast. “You have to be an empathetic person that really, really listens if you want to change hearts and minds. Maybe those people got exemptions because they have an idea that could easily be dispelled. We’ve got to get the human back.” Is Ontario allowing too many students to opt out of the measles vaccine? Bowdish addresses that uncomfortable question, too. You can watch the full episode HERE. Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers. Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.