Leeds, Grenville and Lanark health unit urges vaccination against whooping cough to prevent spread in region

The Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit is raising awareness of about the potential for the spread of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in the region. The health unit urges residents to stay current with vaccinations as outlined in the Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule.

A media release from the health unit explains that pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that typically starts with a runny nose and mild fever but can escalate to severe coughing fits. These coughing spells can lead to vomiting, rib fractures, and significant respiratory distress. The disease spreads through droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze and poses a particular threat to infants under one year old and pregnant individuals.

Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent pertussis, the health unit says. The pertussis vaccine is combined with tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. According to Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule, children, teens an adults should receive multiple doses throughout their lives to maintain immunity:

• Infants require doses at two, four, six, and 18 months.
• Children between four and six years old need one additional dose.
• Individuals between 14 and 16 years old should receive one more dose.
• Adults need one booster dose once in adulthood (before age 65) and once during every pregnancy.

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many children in our community have fallen behind in their vaccination schedule,” the press release reads. “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.” 

For those without a primary health care provider, the Health Unit can be reached at 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2313.