Vaccinations against whooping cough encouraged

The Northern Saskatchewan Population Health Unit has issued a release urging parents to get their infants vaccinated against pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

The province is currently experiencing an increase of the contagious respiratory infection, including in the north. Pertussis can spread easily in households, classrooms and child care centres. It can be particularly serious for infants under 12 months.

The illness can lead to breathing difficulties, hospitalization and even death.

Vaccinations are available for children at two, four, six and 15-18 months of age. Children are then to be vaccinated at four to six years of age. Children in Grade 8 should get a booster dose of the vaccine.

Adults who are due for their 10-year adult tetanus and diphtheria booster can speak to their public health nurse about receiving Tdap.

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The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and Northern Saskatchewan’s Medical Health Officers are also recommending that pregnant women, between 26 and 36 weeks of pregnancy get immunized with Tdap.

This helps to protect the baby before they are old enough to be vaccinated.

More information about pertussis is available at www.populationhealthunit.ca.

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