TABLE 1.
Comparison Between WHO Recommended Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccinations and EPI
| WHO Recommendations for Routine Immunization Against Tetanus and Diphtheria | Pre-2020 EPI Immunization Schedule | Transition Period 2018–2025 | Planned EPI Schedule Post-2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTP3: 3 doses before the age of 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DTP4 booster: at age 12–23 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TT during pregnancy: 3 doses for all pregnant women | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TT vaccine for girls aged 15–16 years | 1 dose of TT vaccine for girls aged 15–16 years in high-risk areas on a semiannual basis | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Td (or diphtheria-tetanus containing) vaccine booster dose | Td campaigns targeting people aged 5–40 years in areas with diphtheria outbreaks (Td response campaigns) | A routine Td booster dose for children aged 7 years Scaling down of the Td response campaigns |
A routine Td booster dose for children aged 7 years Scaling down of the Td response campaigns Planning for a Td booster dose for children aged 9–15 years (not yet decided) |
Abbreviations: DTP3, third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine; DTP4, fourth dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine; EPI, Vietnam Expanded Program on Immunization; Td, tetanus-diphtheria; TT, tetanus toxoid; WHO, World Health Organization.