With the resurgence of a vaccine-preventable disease in Canada, Island Health Public Health is encouraging everyone to ensure they’re up to date with their vaccinations. Vaccination is a simple, safe and effective way to protect yourself and your family from many preventable and potentially serious diseases; one of which, whooping cough (pertussis), is currently circulating in the region.
Whooping cough is an infection of the airways caused by pertussis bacteria. Symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and possibly a mild cough in the beginning, resembling a cold. However, instead of resolving after less than a couple of weeks as expected, the cough can last for weeks, sometimes referred to as “the 100-day cough.” The typical “whoop” sound after a coughing fit doesn’t happen in everyone – especially adults. Some people may vomit after coughing episodes or feel exhausted after coughing but seem quite well otherwise. Serious complications are rare in adults, however, small children and especially infants under one year old are at increased risk. In rare cases, pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures, and even death.
Rates of whooping cough increased across Canada in 2024, including within the Island Health region. As of August 2024, in the Island Health region, 17 people have been ill; the majority of them were not vaccinated.
Vaccination is recommended for infants, with a booster dose before kindergarten (aged four to six years) and again in grade 9 (14 to 16 years). It is recommended that all adults have at least one dose of Tdap vaccine, which protects against whooping cough as well as diphtheria and tetanus.
People who are pregnant should be vaccinated each time they are pregnant, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. This provides protection to the infant during the most vulnerable time – before their first vaccinations at two months old.
Vaccines are available at local health units, and some doctors’ and nurse practitioners’ offices. Adults and children ages five and up can also get immunized at some pharmacies.
It is important for everyone to stay up to date with all recommended immunizations, and it’s easy to review past immunizations through Health Gateway.
View the B.C. immunization schedule and find out where to get vaccinated.
Find your local health unit on the Health Unit Locations page.
Unsure which vaccines you or your child are due for? Check immunization records through the Health Gateway