FAQs On Vaccination of Pregnant Women
In National Immunization Schedule, two doses of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine are recommended for all pregnant women. First dose is given as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed, and the second dose 4 weeks after the first dose.
However, if any pregnant woman has not received TT vaccination during her pregnancy, she should be given one dose of TT at the time of labour.
Tetanus, also known as Lockjaw, is a life-threatening disease causing seizures and severe muscle spasms, often leading to death by respiratory failure. In new-borns, disease present as tightly closed mouth due to spasm of jaw muscles. As a result, they cannot take feeds, and in the majority of cases die. Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine is given to all pregnant women to protect them and their new- born babies from Tetanus. Due to sustained efforts over years, India has been successful in eliminating Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, and to sustain this status administration of TT vaccine to all pregnant women need to be ensured.
Yes. Recommended doses of TT vaccine should be given to a woman every time she gets pregnant. Repeat doses only enhance immunity and do not cause any harm to the woman or her child.
