Health officials in Saskatchewan are urging parents to have children vaccinated against the whooping cough, also known as pertussis.

The bacterial infection is highly contagious and can be a serious health problem if contracted by an infant.

"We've had about 120 cases this year and that's about four to five times higher than what we would see in very quiet years," Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan's deputy chief medical health officer, said Friday.

Shahab said that while the overall rate is much higher, it is common for the condition to fluctuate between lower and higher numbers every five to six years.

An initial vaccination can be given to a child as young as six weeks.

"Once you're home and settled, call public health," Shahab said. "Set up an appointment — earlier rather than later — and keep that appointment.

"I think that's the most important message: on time vaccination for children," he added.

As well, Shahab said the parents of children under the age of six months might consider getting a booster shot for themselves, to reduce the risk of exposure to their child.