A pregnant woman attending her first ANC visit at 16 weeks has never received any tetanus toxoid containing vaccine. As per the National Immunization Schedule, what tetanus vaccination should she receive during this pregnancy?
- A Single dose of Td anytime before delivery
- B Td-1 now and Td-2 at least 4 weeks later ✓
- C Two doses of Td 8 weeks apart, completed before 36 weeks
- D Tetanus immunoglobulin now followed by one dose of Td
Correct answer: B. Td-1 now and Td-2 at least 4 weeks later
Explanation
For a woman with no prior tetanus immunization, the schedule is Td-1 as early as possible in pregnancy and Td-2 at least 4 weeks after Td-1, completing the course before delivery. If she had received two TT or Td doses within the previous 3 years, only a single Td booster would suffice. Tetanus immunoglobulin is reserved for unimmunized women with dirty wounds, not routine antenatal prophylaxis.
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.