New poll reveals Ontarians’ overwhelming desire for government investment in preventive healthcare measures
Findings point to an opportunity to expand access to adult vaccination, support healthy aging and help build a more resilient healthcare system
Recognition for growing evidence of the economic benefits of adult vaccination
Mississauga, ON – As Ontario’s healthcare system faces increasing pressure from an aging population, new polling by Leger conducted on behalf of GSK reveals that Ontarians overwhelmingly support a prevention-first approach to healthcare.
In response to the survey, 98% of respondents said it’s important for governments to invest in preventive healthcare measures that may help reduce future healthcare system strain1, underscoring significant public support for policies that help keep Ontarians healthier and ease pressure on hospitals and healthcare services.
A strong call for prevention action and enhanced access
The survey of 1,500 Ontario adults reveals near universal agreement that prevention must be central to the province's healthcare strategy, with 93% stating that the provincial government should fund vaccines that could help improve public health and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.
Further, more than eight in ten (82%) say they would be more likely to get an expert recommended vaccine if it were publicly funded, pointing to a clear opportunity to expand access to vaccination and help protect more Ontario adults through increased coverage.
Prevention supports healthy aging and system sustainability
Beyond immediate healthcare strain relief, Ontarians increasingly view vaccination as a component of a broader prevention strategy that supports healthy aging and a more resilient healthcare system. Notably, among survey respondents:1:
75% believe government investment in prevention is important for reducing pressure on hospitals and physicians.
78% cite healthy aging as a key reason for governments to invest in preventive healthcare and vaccination programs.
86% would be more likely to get vaccinated if they knew a vaccine-preventable disease increased their risk of serious outcomes such as heart attack or stroke.
Compelling economic returns
The economic case for a prevention first approach is equally compelling. A 2024 study by IQVIA, a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research company, found that a 20 per cent increase in uptake of six adult vaccines (shingles, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumococcal, human papillomavirus, COVID-19, and influenza) could translate to $1 billion in productivity gains and avert $424 million in healthcare costs in Canada.2 More recent data published by Signal49 Research, a leading independent research organization, showed that investing in shingles prevention can generate a return of approximately $1.69 for every dollar spent, driven by avoided healthcare use and maintained productivity.3
Alison Pozzobon, Vice President of Communications, Government Affairs and Market Access, GSK, said: “Prevention is one of the most underused tools we have to support individuals, societies and the healthcare system – and these survey results show Ontarians know it. Expanding access to adult vaccination is a practical, evidence-based step that can contribute to healthy ageing goals, while also delivering real economic value.”
As Ontario faces growing demands from an aging population,4 the survey findings highlight clear opportunities to prioritize prevention, expand access to adult vaccination, and align policy with both public expectations and proven economic value.
About the survey
The survey was conducted by Leger on behalf of GSK using the Leger Opinion panel. It ran from May 29 to June 2, 2026, with a representative sample of 1,500 Ontario adults, weighted by age, gender, and region to match the population, according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,500 has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
About GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at www.gsk.ca.
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section in GSK’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2025, and GSK’s Q1 Results for 2026.
REFERENCES
Leger, Ontario Omnibus Survey, May/June 2026
IQVIA Canada, The Unmet Value of Vaccines in Canada.
Research, Signal49. Healthy Aging and Building Economic Resilience: The Value of Shingles Vaccination. Ottawa: Signal49 Research, 2026.
Access to specialized health care services among older Canadians
