The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is raising awareness of Pertussis and the potential for spread in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region. This underscores the importance of remaining up to date with vaccinations based on the Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that usually begins with a runny nose and mild fever, but symptoms progressively worsen to severe coughing fits, which can cause vomiting, rib fractures, and serious respiratory distress in some cases. The disease spreads through droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze and is particularly dangerous for infants under the age of one and pregnant individuals.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pertussis. Pertussis is included in a vaccine that also includes tetanus and diphtheria. According to Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule, individuals should be vaccinated against Pertussis multiple times throughout their lives to ensure they remain protected against the disease:
- Infants require a dose at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months (4 doses);
- Children between 4 and 6 years old – 1 additional dose;
- Individuals between 14 and 16 years old – 1 additional dose;
- Adults require 1 booster dose once in adulthood (before age 65) and once in every pregnancy
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many children in our community have fallen behind in their vaccination schedule. The Health Unit continues to encourage families to connect with their primary health care provider to determine whether all family members are up to date according to the Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule.
If your child does not have a primary health care provider, please call the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2313.
-30-
For interviews, contact:
