Tetanus vaccination is a WHO recommendation for all pregnant women. It protects not only the mother but especially the newborn: neonatal tetanus is life-threatening but preventable.

How it works

After vaccination, the mother's body produces antibodies. These antibodies cross the placenta and protect the baby during the first months of life, before the baby receives their own vaccinations.

What to do

At an early prenatal visit, your healthcare provider will check your vaccination history:

• If you are fully vaccinated (5 lifetime doses or a recent booster), you may not need additional doses
• If your status is unknown or you have not been vaccinated, your healthcare provider may recommend two doses one month apart, with the second dose at least 2 weeks before birth
• If you were vaccinated in the past but not fully, you may need one dose

Safety

Tetanus vaccine is inactivated, meaning it does not contain live bacteria, and has been used safely in pregnancy for decades.

Your healthcare provider may also offer other vaccines from the national schedule, such as flu or pertussis. Discuss what is recommended in your setting.

The vaccination decision should be made with your healthcare provider based on your history.