Marianne,
Pertussis boosters in the form DPT (Diptheria, pertussis and tetanus) have been encouraged for a few years now. District staff was not forced to get a booster, but it was STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. It was previously believed that the initial shots provided lifetime protection, but not anymore. I've never coughed like this before and have had bronchitis and pneumonia previously. I would still recommend getting a booster, even though it didn't protect me. I hope this helps.