According to Alberta Health Services, the Central Zone of the province currently has the highest rate of whooping cough, and due to sustained high rates of the disease in Alberta, they're expanding the immunization program.

The Whooping cough vaccine is being offered to pregnant women in their third trimester regardless of previous immunization for whooping cough.

Women who are 26 or more weeks pregnant are encouraged to call their local community health centre to book an appointment.

The vaccine helps protect babies after birth until they are old enough to be immunized themselves which is vital as infants are the most vulnerable to developing severe complications from the disease.