Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in New Brunswick

Whooping cough is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease that can occur at any age. It is very serious in babies and young children, especially for those who are too young to receive the vaccine or have not yet received the complete series. Young children are also at highest risk of complications, such as pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, or death.

The illness  begins with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough. It worsens during several weeks to include serious coughing spells that often end with a "whoop."

Whooping cough is easily transmitted from person to person, mainly through droplets from the nose, mouth, and throat of an infected person. The best way to protect against whooping cough is through immunization which is part of the New Brunswick Routine Immunization Schedule. The schedule includes immunization of children, adolescents, and adults.

Get assessed by a health-care provider if you have:

• Symptoms that look like whooping cough, as described above (i.e. coughing fits, cough with “whoop”), or
• A fever and cold-like symptoms that can’t be managed at home, or
• A cough that lasts more than a week that is not getting any better; or
• Cold-like symptoms after you’ve been exposed to someone with whooping cough.

Follow the health-care provider’s advice. Testing is only performed for treatment or care. Proof of negative test is not required to return to regular activities, unless otherwise indicated by Public Health or a health-care provider.   

Vaccinations remain the best defence. Keep up to date on vaccines.

In addition to vaccinations, people can take simple steps to lower their chances of getting and spreading respiratory infections:

• Washing or sanitizing hands frequently. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth and nose. Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.
• Opening a window or door to improve indoor ventilation where possible.
• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow.
• Staying home if you are sick. Try to avoid contact with people who are likely to get severely ill: babies, pregnant individuals, elderly, and individuals who have chronic or immune compromising conditions.

Who is eligible for publicly funded pertussis vaccine?

Children

As part of the routine immunization schedule in New Brunswick, vaccine against pertussis is offered to infants and young children at two, four and six months of age, and a booster dose at 18 months of age. A booster dose is also offered to children four years of age before starting school.

Adolescents

All Grade 7 students are eligible to receive a booster dose against pertussis (Tdap) as part of the school immunization campaign.  Those who haven’t receive their booster can contact their local Public Health office.

Adults

All adults who have not previously received a vaccine against pertussis in adulthood are eligible to receive one dose (Tdap). It is particularly important for those who anticipate having regular contact with infants.

Pregnant individuals

A vaccine against pertussis (Tdap) should be offered to pregnant individuals during every pregnancy during their third trimester, regardless of their age and immunization history.

Where can I receive publicly funded pertussis vaccine if I am eligible?

In New Brunswick, children can receive their vaccine through their Public Health office. or primary care provider such as family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Individuals 18 years of age and older as well as pregnant individuals can receive their vaccine through their primary care provider or their local pharmacy.

You can book using the Provincial Scheduler or by calling Tele-Services (1-833-437-1424). If no appointments are available in your region, contact your local Public Health office.

How do I obtain a record of my pertussis Immunizations?

To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your MyHealthNB account. Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, you can send an email to [email protected].

If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines: your health-care provider, your pharmacy, or your local Public Health office.

What if I have no proof of immunization record?

Individuals who are not able to find their immunization record are usually considered to be at risk. Consider getting vaccinated according to the eligibility criteria and the vaccination schedule appropriate to your age. Follow the instructions above to find out where to obtain information or the vaccine if necessary.