Given the spread of this virus, which can have serious consequences for the health of young children, the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS MCQ) published a call for vaccination at the beginning of July. At that time, there had been 200 cases of whooping cough recorded since April.
As of Wednesday, the CIUSSS MCQ had recorded a total of 350 cases of whooping cough, confirms Kellie Forand, information officer at the CIUSSS MCQ.
“Children under 12 months and unborn babies are particularly at risk of developing complications after contracting whooping cough,” she said.
The main symptoms of whooping cough are “severe coughing fits that can cause choking and vomiting,” “a cough so loud that a sound like a rooster crowing can be heard when the person catches a breath,” “runny nose,” “red eyes,” and “mild fever.”
“Vaccination remains the best protection against whooping cough. The administration of the whooping cough vaccine is planned from the age of two months according to the recommended vaccination schedule,” explains Kellie Forand.
“Vaccination is also recommended for pregnant women between the 26th and 32nd week of pregnancy, and this is the case for every pregnancy.”
Despite the call for vaccination launched earlier in July, the CIUSSS MCQ has not noted an increase in demand for the whooping cough vaccine. Young children and pregnant women are encouraged to protect themselves from the whooping cough virus through vaccination.
“Since the vaccine is part of the babies’ vaccination schedule, many keep up with the appointments,” notes Kellie Forand.
“The group of pregnant women could, however, benefit from better vaccination coverage,” she adds.
Information regarding vaccination is available on the CIUSSS MCQ website. It is possible to make an appointment on the Clic Santé website or by telephone at 819 519-4741. For children aged three and under, the CIUSSS MCQ asks that you contact the CLSC.
Slight progression of the COVID-19 virus
For the past few weeks, the COVID-19 virus has been experiencing a “slight increase” in the region, reports the CIUSSS MCQ. In fact, COVID-19 is gaining ground throughout Quebec this summer.
Just like medications, rapid COVID-19 tests have an expiration date. “When a test is expired, we dispose of it, as is the case for any expired medication. An expired test may be less reliable in terms of results,” explains the CIUSSS MCQ information officer.
Of the rapid screening tests are offered free of charge at local vaccination service points and designated testing clinics. Expired test boxes can also be exchanged at these locations.
