A pregnant woman at 28 weeks of gestation has no prior tetanus immunization records. She is due for tetanus toxoid vaccination as part of antenatal care. According to India's UIP, what is the correct tetanus toxoid schedule for her?
- A Three doses of TT at 0, 4, and 8 weeks
- B Single dose of TT now
- C Two doses of TT at least 4 weeks apart, with the second dose at least 2 weeks before delivery ✓
- D Single dose of Td only, as TT is no longer recommended
Correct answer: C. Two doses of TT at least 4 weeks apart, with the second dose at least 2 weeks before delivery
Explanation
Under India's UIP, a pregnant woman with uncertain or no prior tetanus immunization should receive two doses of tetanus toxoid (TT) at least 4 weeks apart, with the second dose given at least 2 weeks before delivery to ensure adequate transplacental antibody transfer. Three doses are only for a completely unvaccinated woman with no time before delivery. Option B is insufficient as one dose does not provide reliable protection for the newborn.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.