People not up to date on whooping cough vaccinations: Health unit

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL) District Health Unit is reminding the public to make sure vaccinations are up to date, underscoring the potential spread of Pertussis in the region.

 Pertussis, also known as 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.

Health officials say 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,” the LGL Health Unit said in a release. “Pertussis is included in a vaccine that also includes tetanus and diphtheria.”

However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials say many children have fallen behind in their vaccination schedule.

According to Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule, individuals should be vaccinated against Pertussis as follows:

• 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

People are encouraged 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 a child does not have a primary health care provider, call the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2313.