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AHS Expanding Pertussis Program In Central Zone

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1 minute read

By Sheldon Spackman

Sustained high rates of pertussis in Alberta Health Service’s Central Zone has led officials to expand their routine pertussis immunization program.

As of November 1st, women in their third trimester of pregnancy, regardless of previous pertussis immunization, can now get the pertussis vaccine.

In a release, AHS officials say offering vaccine to women in the third trimester of pregnancy is an important step in protecting infants, who are the most vulnerable to developing severe complications from pertussis.

Dr. Digby Horne is the Medical Officer of Health for the Central Zone and says “Immunization is not only safe and protective for pregnant women, it provides immunity to their infants after birth, protecting these infants before they’re old enough to be immunized themselves.”

Women in Central Zone who are 26 or more weeks pregnant are encouraged to call their local community health centre to book an appointment for this immunization. It’s also important to note that the pertussis vaccine will not be offered through influenza immunization clinics that are currently underway.

Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing that lasts for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage and even death.

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