The Ontario government offered to contribute to the preparation of the Canadian Forces by bearing the cost to vaccinate the First Contingent. Typhoid and enteric fever had resulted in approximately 8200 deaths during the South African War. It was hoped that vaccination against typhoid, before Canadians went overseas, would save Canadians from a similar fate during this war.
The Department of Health in Ontario began preparations for a system of anti-typhoid vaccination to be carried out by the end of the month. This would require many health care professionals and a large amount of the serum. This was seen as a way for the province to demonstrate its support of the Dominion and by extension the motherland, and hopefully to help protect Canadian soldiers.
(“Offers Vaccine for Troops,” Waterloo Chronicle Telegraph, 13 August 1914.)
