Pertussis
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a serious disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It is most severe in babies and young children. Symptoms include violent coughing and vomiting, as well as difficulty breathing, eating and drinking. Serious complications include pneumonia, brain damage and death. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics.
The pertussis vaccine is required for school-aged children in Ontario. The vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for other diseases, like tetanus and diphtheria. Learn more about these combined vaccines.
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