Seasoned maternal health experts have urged pregnant women to take and complete the five-dose tetanus toxoid vaccination schedule, even after childbirth, to ensure they get lifelong immunity against a disease that is better prevented than managed.
They noted that the TT vaccination is an essential part of antenatal care that protects both mother and baby against the bacteria that cause tetanus.
In interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the gynaecologists said although maternal and neonatal tetanus cases have declined over the years due to improved immunisation coverage, the disease remains deadly and preventable.
The gynaecologists stated that pregnant women are more vulnerable to tetanus during childbirth, especially those who deliver in unclean environments or where unsterilised instruments are used.
They also dismissed common misconceptions surrounding the vaccine, saying there is no evidence that tetanus toxoid causes miscarriage, infertility, big babies or increases the likelihood of caesarean delivery.
According to the World Health Organisation,
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