Worldwide, tetanus causes about 180,000 newborn deaths and about 30,000 deaths in women each year (WHO).

The WHO policy recommends that all women giving birth should have tetanus immunization.

The complete immunization schedule entails 5 shots.

1^st shot; it is given at first contact, offers no future protection

2^nd shot; to be taken at least 4 weeks after the first, it protects women for the next 1-3 years

3^rd shot; to be taken at least 6 months after the second dose, it protects for the next 5 years

4^th dose; to be taken at least one year after the 3^rd dose, it protects the woman for the next 10 years.

5^th dose; to be taken at least 1 year after the 4^th dose, it protects the woman throughout the rest of her child-bearing age

If you have had some doses before present pregnancy, present your immunization card to your doctor.