Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding parents and caregivers to ensure their children and youth are up to date on their routine vaccines, as we approach the school year and in light of an increase in reports of pertussis (whooping cough) in Ontario and locally.
Locally, OPH has received reports of 32 people with confirmed or probable pertussis in Ottawa. Ontario has seen a rise in whooping cough cases, with over 500[i] cases reported between January and July 24, 2024.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases that used to be common in childhood. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to controlling vaccine preventable diseases and reducing severe illness. Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a very contagious infection of the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis symptoms often start as a common cold at first but can progress into severe coughing spells that can last 6-12 weeks. Infants under one year old who are not yet protected by a complete vaccine series are at the highest risk. Most people recover from pertussis without complications. A person with pertussis is usually given antibiotics. Pertussis most often occurs in children and youth.
The best way to protect children against pertussis is to have them vaccinated. The pertussis vaccine is part of the routine vaccine schedule and is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age, with a booster dose between 4-6 years old and again between 14-16 years old. It is recommended that pregnant individuals receive a dose of pertussis-containing vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks of gestation. Adults who have not previously received a dose of pertussis-containing vaccine in adulthood should receive a booster dose of Tdap when they are due for a tetanus vaccine booster. In Ontario, this is typically given at 24-28 years old.
Now is a great time to ensure your child’s routine vaccines are up to date ahead of the school year. This fall, OPH will resume ongoing surveillance and enforcement of the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act (ISPA) by sending letters to parents and guardians for children and adolescents who have not reported up-to-date vaccination records to public health for the vaccines required to attend school. Students may be at risk of suspension if their records are not updated within the given timeframe.
Families facing barriers to accessing routine vaccinations can book an appointment at one of the many Kids Come First clinics. Additionally, OPH offers drop-in clinics at the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs. Parents and caregivers can visit ParentingInOttawa.ca/Immunization for more information on routine vaccines, where to get routine vaccines, and how to report routine vaccines to OPH.
Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Pertussis to learn more about pertussis. You can also connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Connect with a Public Health Nurse about your child’s vaccination status by calling 613-580-6744, open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 to 4 pm.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
[i] Infectious Disease Query. Integrated Public Health Information System, extracted by Public Health Ontario (PHO) July 24, 2024. Data are dynamic and intended to provide information on emerging trends in diseases of public health significance but are considered preliminary pending verification. Use with caution.