My son and I got whooping cough over 15 years ago. We were both vaccinated. And my titres were high enough only 4 years before when I was checked in nursing school.
I wanted to die. 6 weeks of wanting to die.
Apparently, the newer acellular vaccine against whooping cough does not induce permanent immunity, with the result that most adults are *not* immune to it. The latest recommendation is for pregnant women and anyone else anticipating a baby in the family to get a whooping cough vaccine to protect the baby. Also, the childhood vaccine schedules have been revised to try to increase immunity.
I realize that being a nurse, you are probably already aware of the latest recommendations regarding whooping cough vaccine. However, other FReepers may benefit from the information.