Is TT Immunization in Pregnancy Enough in Indian settings?

Abstract

India has a fairly large share in the maternal mortalities of the world. There are many aspects of a healthy pregnancy and immunization is one of them. Maternal immunization protects not just the mother but also imparts protection to the newborn. India introduced TT immunization for pregnant females in 1983. Due to sustained efforts of healthcare providers, training of nurses and midwives about clean delivery practices, strong campaigning of institutional deliveries, maternal and neonatal focused programs and a good coverage of pregnant women with TT immunization -India was finally declared free of maternal and neonatal tetanus on 15th May, 2015. Pertussis continues to be a serious public health problem in India. Pertussis is more dangerous in infancy and leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. The damage is particularly higher when the infant is only weeks old and still haven't received the primary immunization. Thus there is a need to introduce Tdap vaccine for pregnant women so that pertussis burden in infancy can reduce. An important cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy is influenza. Thus, influenza vaccine is the second vaccine that needs to be given to pregnant women.

COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and adherence among pregnant and lactating high-risk group individuals of Maharashtra State, India

“…Vaccination plays a key role in controlling morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations such as pregnant and lactating women. [ 13 ] Pregnant women are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. [ 18 ] According to WHO, pregnant women when compared to non-pregnant women of the same reproductive age were more likely to have complications including those admitted to intensive care, needing invasive ventilation, and so on, when infected with COVID-19.…”

“…[ 9 ] The Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology Societies of India (FOGSI) has recommended vaccination for pregnant women stating double protection for mothers as well as newborns. [ 13 ] WHO recommends vaccines to lactating mothers and endorses continued breastfeeding even after vaccination as breastfeeding has substantial benefits for both mothers as well as the baby. [ 9 ] Breastfeeding with proper precautions and hygiene is recommended even in suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 as the antibodies produced by the mother can be transferred to the child via breast milk.…”

“…[ 9 ] Breastfeeding with proper precautions and hygiene is recommended even in suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 as the antibodies produced by the mother can be transferred to the child via breast milk. [ 13 ] Pregnant women constitute 5% of India's total population which forms a significant portion of the population, if vaccine skepticism develops in such a vulnerable population, then there will be a considerable decline in the overall vaccine acceptance rate in India. [ 14 15 ] In a thorough literature study on scientific portals, not a single study has been reported to elucidate vaccine acceptance among pregnant and lactating individuals.…”