Pertussis immunization booster dose clinics in South Zone

Clinics begin Monday, August 21 – Children aged 10, 11 and 12 are eligible

LETHBRIDGE – Starting Aug. 21, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be offering a booster dose of immunization that protects against pertussis (whooping cough) to children aged 10, 11 and 12 with a birthdate between September 1, 2004 and August 21, 2007, who are living or attending school in the South Zone of Alberta Health Services.

The booster dose, which is free of charge, will be available for a limited time only – by appointment – through clinics in communities across the South Zone.

A pertussis outbreak is ongoing in the South Zone. A review of confirmed cases has shown an increase in breakthrough illness in children aged 11 and 12 who are otherwise considered appropriately immunized for their age.

The booster dose being offered beginning Aug. 21 – which is safe and effective, regardless of previous immunization history – will not only protect children in this age range from pertussis illness, but will also help control further spread of the ongoing outbreak.

In 2017 to date, 289 cases of pertussis have been confirmed in South Zone, of which 247 are linked to the current outbreak.

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable illness, and immunization that protects against pertussis is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s Routine Childhood Immunization Program. All Albertans are always encouraged to ensure that they, and their children, are up-to-date on all routine immunizations, including immunizations that protect against pertussis. Information on routine childhood immunizations can be found at immunizealberta.ca.

For more information on the South Zone pertussis outbreak, the booster dose strategy, as well as booster dose clinic dates, locations and telephone numbers to book an appointment, South Zone residents are asked to visit ahs.ca/pertussis.

Anyone with questions or concerns about pertussis, or their immunization history, can also call Health Link at 811.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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