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Warning issued for Princeton families: Interior Health

Infants at particular risk for whooping cough
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An increase in the number of cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is being seen in the Princeton area. Interior Health would like to remind the public about the importance of making sure your immunizations are up to date.

Pertussis starts with similar symptoms to a common cold (runny nose, sore throat, and mild fever) and then progresses to a cough. The cough can become severe, with or without a classic whooping sound and may be accompanied by gasping, gagging, shortness of breath and vomiting. In serious cases it can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death, especially in the very young.

“Infants under one year of age are most at risk for serious complications from pertussis,” said Dr. Kamran Golmohammadi, Medical Health Officer with Interior Health. “Fortunately, the pertussis vaccine is highly effective in reducing that risk. Our main goal is to protect young children through timely immunization.”

The pertussis vaccine is part of the routine childhood vaccinations that are given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 18 months old, and again at age 4 to 6 years (before Kindergarten). A pertussis vaccine is also given to teens at 14 to 16 years of age (Grade 9) in British Columbia. The vaccine is safe and effective and parents are advised to check their child’s immunization record to make sure they are up to date. It is especially important that infants receive the first dose of pertussis vaccine on time and without delay to protect them from serious pertussis complications.

Information about accessing immunization records can be found at ImmunizeBC. To discuss pertussis immunization for children or to book an appointment, contact your local public health centre. Adults who have never been immunized for pertussis can contact their local health centre to inquire about getting the vaccine.



Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
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