Alberta Health Services is getting ready to step up its campaign to get control over the whooping cough outbreak.
The health agency is responding to an increase in the number of cases and says there is a resurgence of cases all over North America.
There is a vaccine for whooping cough also called Pertussis, but it does wear off.
Alberta Health Services says it is not just children who should be vaccinated and that adults need a booster as well.
If you are under 21 and have lived in Alberta, you should be fully immunized against whooping cough if you had all your shots.
However, it is very likely the over 21 crowd will need a booster shot for whooping cough even if they had the disease when they were younger.
“Having Pertussis, or whooping cough once, does not give you life long protection,” said Dr. Judy MacDonald.
Alberta Health Services is particularly interested in vaccinating anyone who is n contact with babies, because babies are the most vulnerable and don't have immunity to the disease.
"What we're doing here in Alberta is wanting to focus on parents especially of infants. Less than six months of age or if they are delayed in immunizations under 12 months of age to recommend that they be getting adults Pertusssis vaccine,” said Dr. MacDonald.
Those who are unsure if they are immunized can check with a public health clinic if they were born in Alberta.
