AHS to hold Pertussis immunization booster clinics in South Zone
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LETHBRIDGE – The ongoing pertussis outbreak in the South Zone has prompted Alberta Health Services (AHS) to take further action.
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. To date in 2017, there are 289 cases of pertussis confirmed in South Zone, of which 247 are linked to the current outbreak.
For this reason, AHS will set up an opportunity for booster immunizations starting on Monday, Aug. 21. The booster dose protects against pertussis (whooping cough) for 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.
The booster shot is free of charge and will be available for a limited time only – by appointment – through clinics in communities across the South Zone.
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 www.immunizealberta.ca.
For more information on the South Zone pertussis outbreak, booster dose clinic dates, locations and telephone numbers to book an appointment, South Zone residents are asked to visit www.ahs.ca/pertussis.
