Iqaluit opens whooping cough, measles vaccine clinics

A new vaccination clinic in Iqaluit is providing immunizations for whooping cough and measles.

Iqaluit Public Health has added an appointment-run vaccination clinic on Mondays in the city, in addition to available walk-ins on Fridays starting Monday and running until May 27, it announced in a news release April 19.

The clinics are to provide whooping cough, also known as pertussis, and measles vaccines to all eligible Nunavummiut aged 12 months and older.

Scheduled appointments for whooping cough and measles vaccines are available on Mondays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Walk-ins for all vaccines, including flu and COVID-19, continue to be available on Fridays between 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

While individuals born prior to 1970 may have inherent protection against measles due to previous exposure to the illness, they should still consult with a care provider to confirm their eligibility for both measles and whooping cough vaccinations, said Pierre Essoh, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, in the release.

“This is particularly crucial for those planning to travel abroad or individuals with underlying health conditions, such as immunodeficiencies,” he said.

“Scheduling a brief appointment can provide clarity on your vaccination status and ensure comprehensive protection against measles and whooping cough.”

People in Iqaluit can call 867-975-4800 or 867-975-4824 to book an appointment on Monday. Clients are advised to bring their immunization records to your appointment if they have them.

The clinic is launching during National Immunization Awareness Week. Nunavut’s Health Department is encouraging Nunavummiut to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations, especially for infants and toddlers.