Public health officials are reminding parents to make sure that their children are immunized prior to the beginning of school, especially as there has been an increase in pertussis, or whooping cough, in some states.

California has already had five times the number of cases this year, with almost 1,500 reported. People ages 11-64 can get a one-time booster shot, and kids under 6 should follow a vaccine schedule from their doctor.

Visit www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/pertussis.aspx for more information.