Whooping cough cases are increasing across the country and Island Health wants to help prevent the spread of it across Vancouver Island.
Island Health is encouraging every to be up to date on their vaccinations for the vaccine-preventable disease circulating around.
Reported cases have been on the rise in Canada and as of August 17 people have fallen ill to the cough with many of them not vaccinated.
Whooping cough symptoms resemble a common cold, but the cough can last for weeks on end and is sometimes referred to as the 100-day cough.
Vaccinations are recommended for infants with booster doses available for four- to six-year-olds, and again for 14–16-year-olds.
Adults are recommended to have at least one dose of the Tdap vaccine, protecting against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus.
Pregnant people should get vaccinated between 27 to 32 weeks to protect infants during their most vulnerable time before they are able to be vaccinated at two months old.
Local health units, some doctors and nurse practitioners’ offices, and pharmacies can provide the shot to patients.
