What is Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine?
A tetanus-containing vaccine (Td, or TT) protects women and their newborn babies against tetanus. Pakistan's EPI gives it to pregnant women, and WHO recommends Td because it also protects against diphtheria.
Dosage and schedule
For a woman with no reliable record of earlier doses: two doses at least 4 weeks apart, the second at least 2 weeks before delivery; a third dose at least 6 months later; then a fourth and fifth dose at least 1 year apart (or in later pregnancies).
Who it's for
- Pregnant women
- Women of childbearing age (15–49) who haven't completed five doses
Benefits
- Protects the mother against tetanus and diphtheria.
- Antibodies pass to the baby before birth and protect the newborn from neonatal tetanus.
- Five doses over time give protection throughout the childbearing years.
Diseases prevented
- Tetanus
- Neonatal tetanus
- Diphtheria
Common reactions
- Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given.
- Mild fever or feeling tired for a day or two.
Precautions
- It is recommended during pregnancy; tell the vaccinator how many doses you have had before.
- Tell the vaccinator about any severe allergic reaction to an earlier tetanus-containing vaccine.
When to seek help
- Seek care for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a reaction that spreads or worsens.