Immunization

Supporting Information

In many parts of the world, mothers give birth in unhygienic conditions. This puts both mother and child at risk of getting tetanus, a major killer of newborn infants.

If a pregnant woman is not immunized against tetanus and tetanus bacteria or spores enter her body, her life will also be at risk.

Tetanus bacteria or spores grow in dirty cuts. These germs can grow if the umbilical cord is cut with an unclean knife or if anything unclean touches the end of the cord. Any tool used to cut the cord should first be cleaned and then boiled or heated over a flame and allowed to cool. For the first week after birth, the baby's umbilical cord must be kept clean.

All pregnant women should check to make sure they have been immunized against tetanus. This protects both mothers and their newborn babies.

It is safe for a pregnant woman to be immunized against tetanus. She should be immunized according to this schedule:

First dose:

As soon as she knows she is pregnant.

Second dose:

One month after the first dose, and no later than two weeks before her due date.

Third dose:

Six to 12 months after the second dose, or during the next pregnancy.

Fourth dose:

One year after the third dose, or during a subsequent pregnancy.

Fifth dose:

One year after the fourth dose, or during a subsequent pregnancy.

If a girl or a woman has been vaccinated with five properly spaced doses, she is protected for her lifetime. Her children are also protected for the first few weeks of life.