The Ottawa Public Health reminds parents to add vaccinations to their back-to-school list this fall, as the capital sees an increase in pertussis cases.

The health unit urges parents to ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date, as it plans to resume enforcement of the school immunization law this fall, with the possibility of suspending students who have not updated their vaccinations.

There have been 32 confirmed or probable cases of people infected with pertussis in Ottawa. Ontario has seen more than 500 reported cases of pertussis since the beginning of the year.

"The Ottawa Public Health reminds parents and caregivers of the importance of ensuring that their children and youth receive routine vaccines, especially with the school year approaching and in light of the increased reports of pertussis in Ontario and locally," according to a statement from the health unit.

"Vaccination remains the most effective defense against pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases that were common in childhood. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases and reducing severe illness."

OPH stated that pertussis is "a highly contagious respiratory infection." It starts like a common cold and can develop into severe coughing spells that can last from six to 12 weeks.

Pertussis often occurs in children and youth.

The pertussis vaccine is part of the routine vaccination schedule and is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, with a booster dose between ages 4-6 and between 14-16 years.

OPH said: "It is recommended that pregnant women receive a dose of the pertussis vaccine in each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy." "Adults who have not received a dose of the pertussis vaccine in adulthood should receive a Tdap booster when they are due for a tetanus booster. In Ontario, this is usually provided at ages 24 to 28."