A pregnant woman attending an ANC clinic has never received any tetanus toxoid containing vaccine. Under the National Immunization Schedule, what is the correct interval between her first dose (Td1) and second dose (Td2) of tetanus diphtheria vaccine?

• A Minimum 2 weeks
• B Minimum 12 weeks
• C Minimum 8 weeks
• D Minimum 4 weeks ✓

Explanation

Under NIS, all unimmunized pregnant women receive two doses of Td, Td1 as early as possible in pregnancy and Td2 a minimum of 4 weeks later, ideally completed before 36 weeks of gestation. If she was immunized within the previous 3 years, only a single booster is needed. The 4 week minimum interval allows adequate antibody response before delivery so that maternal IgG protects the neonate against neonatal tetanus.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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