Myth-Busters Regarding Immunizations

Myth: Pertussis (whooping cough) is not a serious condition
Fact: No

• Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It is also known as “whooping cough” because the major symptom is severe coughing spells followed by a whoop sound before the next breath
• Infants are often sick for 3-12 weeks with pertussis and commonly experience complications such as ear infections and pneumonia
• Serious disease and complications occur more frequently in young infants with whooping cough. About 1 in 400 infants with pertussis die and 1 in 400 suffers irreversible brain damage from the disease
• Adults with the disease can potentially infect other people including infants who are too young to be immunized
• All infants and young children should be immunized against pertussis
• A booster immunization is recommended for adults in with their 10 year tetanus immunization

Adapted from Your child’s Best Shot, A parent’s Guide to Vaccination 3rd Edition and The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion 2010

PAPHR is celebrating Immunization Week for the whole month of April. Immunize your child under age 5 in April 2011 and enter a draw for some fabulous prizes.

For more information, immunization clinics, clinic schedules and further resources, check www.princealbertparklandhealth.com Select Public Health and choose your option.

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