Parents and caregivers reminded to keep children and themselves up to date with routine immunizations. Pregnant individuals are also a group of emphasis.
The province has seen a rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases. While the rates of pertussis in the District of Thunder Bay are currently below the provincial average, reported cases have increased over the past months locally and it is anticipated that this trend will continue.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Infants and older adults are particularly vulnerable to pertussis and are more likely to experience severe illness and require hospitalization.
Routine immunizations are effective and safe in preventing many infections, including pertussis. Parents and caregivers, pregnant individuals, and older adults are reminded to keep themselves and their children up to date with routine immunizations. It is important to get routine vaccinations as close to the recommended times as possible; however, it is never too late to get protection that immunizations provide against illness (including pertussis).
Learn more: TBDHU Pertussis webpage
Protection against pertussis and other infectious diseases (like polio and tetanus) is included in the Ontario routine immunization schedule. For example:
- Infants should get routine vaccines at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age.
- Children should get a booster dose between 4-6 years of age and another between 14-16 years of age.
- Adults 18 years and older should receive one tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine, followed by a tetanus, diphtheria booster every 10 years.
- Pregnant individuals, after 26 weeks of pregnancy, should get immunized with a vaccine protecting against pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria in each pregnancy.
Learn more about Vaccines across the Lifespan.
TBDHU offers school vaccine clinics for students in Grade 7-12. Routine vaccines are available from health care providers. If you do not have a health care provider, contact your closest TBDHU office.
For more information: TBDHU Media Line 807-625-7994 or news@tbdhu.com