Pertussis

(Whooping Cough)

Pertussis is an acute infection of the respiratory tract caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets spread during coughs and sneezes from an infected person. Symptoms begin with a mild respiratory illness, which progresses to prolonged cough episodes, which may lead to vomiting. In Ontario, a vaccine series to prevent pertussis is started in infancy with booster doses in adolescence and adulthood.

To obtain or inquire about an immunization record, or for general immunization information, please contact your local public health unit.

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Event

PHO Rounds: The SickKids Immunization InfoLine

This PHO Rounds session will review the development and implementation of the InfoLine, provide an overview of the calls received to date—including call volume and common inquiries—and share key insights gained from the experience.

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To obtain or inquire about an immunization record, or for general immunization information, please contact your local public health unit.

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Contact the Department

Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Diseases

ivpd@oahpp.ca

Updated 13 Dec 2024