Pregnant women should receive at least two tetanus shots during pregnancy to protect both themselves and their newborns from tetanus.
Tetanus Vaccination During Pregnancy: Recommended Doses
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a series of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines (TTCV) to achieve lifelong protection against tetanus. For pregnant women, the recommended schedule ensures both maternal and neonatal immunity.
Recommended Schedule:
- First Dose: As early as possible during pregnancy.
- Second Dose: At least 4 weeks after the first dose and at least 2 weeks before the expected delivery date.
Why Two Doses Are Crucial:
These two doses provide initial protection. Depending on prior vaccination history, additional doses may be needed to achieve full, lifelong immunity. If a woman hasn't completed a five-dose series, she should continue the vaccination schedule after delivery.
Schedule for Those with Prior Tetanus Vaccinations:
The number of tetanus shots needed during pregnancy depends on the individual's prior vaccination history. The goal is to achieve a total of five doses throughout a woman's lifetime to ensure lasting protection. This table outlines the guidance for the number of Tdap/Td vaccinations needed during pregnancy, based on previous doses:
| Total Prior Tetanus Doses | Recommended During Pregnancy |
|---|---|
| 0 | 2 doses of Td during pregnancy (at least 4 weeks apart) and complete the 3-dose series after pregnancy if needed. Give Tdap preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation to protect the newborn. |
| 1 | 2 doses of Td during pregnancy (at least 4 weeks apart) and complete the 4-dose series after pregnancy if needed. Give Tdap preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation to protect the newborn. |
| 2 | Give one dose of Tdap preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. |
| 3 or more | Give one dose of Tdap preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, if you have not previously received Tdap. If you have previously received Tdap, you do not need another dose, unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider. |
Important Note: It is generally recommended that all pregnant women receive a dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, regardless of prior Tdap vaccination status. This is to provide optimal protection to the newborn against pertussis (whooping cough). This Tdap shot counts toward the total tetanus doses.
Why Tetanus Vaccination is Important During Pregnancy:
Tetanus in newborns (neonatal tetanus) is a serious and often fatal infection. Maternal vaccination prevents this by providing the baby with protective antibodies before birth. Tetanus is caused by bacteria entering the body through wounds and cuts, and it affects the nervous system, causing muscle stiffness.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider:
Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding tetanus vaccination during pregnancy. They can assess your individual vaccination history and provide the most appropriate recommendations.
