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NORTH BAY – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is hosting public pertussis vaccination clinics in West Nipissing in response to an increased number of cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the West Nipissing area. Pertussis can spread to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes and it is spread more easily in enclosed areas, and when standing within three feet of someone who has the illness, which can cause a very serious infection of the lungs and breathing airways.
The public is encouraged to ensure that all their vaccinations are up-to-date, including their pertussis vaccination, using the Health Unit’s online portal at www.myhealthunit.ca/vaccinationrecord, by calling their primary health care provider or calling the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 ext. 1301.
The pertussis vaccine is given at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age, between 4 and 6 years of age, between 14 and 16 years of age, and one dose in adulthood. It is highly recommended that individuals in their third trimester of pregnancy receive an additional dose during each pregnancy.
Walk-in Vaccine Clinic Dates:
Wednesday, June 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
West Nipissing General Hospital, Main Entrance (725 Coursol Rd, Sturgeon Falls,)
Thursday, June 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
River Valley Golden Age Centre (16 Jacques St, River Valley)
Due to the rise in confirmed cases of pertussis, it is also important that people living in the West Nipissing area monitor for symptoms. Early symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, low fever, and mild cough that gets worse over two weeks, often ending in a whooping sound. The cough may be so severe that a person may gag or throw up and it can last for weeks to months. Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for children under one year of age, and individuals in their third trimester of pregnancy, especially if they have not been vaccinated.
If you have symptoms, do not attend a vaccination clinic, rather call your primary health care provider, attend a walk in location while wearing a mask, or call the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 ext.1301. If symptoms are severe, please go to your local emergency department, wear a mask, and let them know why you are there.
For general information on pertussis visit our website at www.myhealthunit.ca.
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Media Inquiries:
Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca
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