The effect of maternal tetanus immunization on children’s schooling attainment in Matlab, Bangladesh: Follow-up of a randomized trial

We investigate the effects of antenatal maternal vaccination against tetanus on the schooling attained by children in Bangladesh. Maternal vaccination prevents the child from acquiring tetanus at birth through blood infection and substantially reduces infant mortality and may prevent impairment in children who would otherwise acquire tetanus but survive. We follow up on a 1974 randomized trial of maternal tetanus vaccination, looking at outcomes for children born in the period 1975–1979. We find significant schooling gains from maternal tetanus vaccination for children whose parents had no schooling, showing a large impact on a small number of children. Our findings make a case for investments in maternal tetanus vaccination as a method of improving schooling and eventual economic outcomes.

► We find evidence of intergenerational transmission of health from mothers to children in Bangladesh. ► Health interventions can be a cost-effective method of increasing schooling. ► Evidence of economic returns to improvements in early childhood health. ► Long term follow-up of a randomized trial allows causal inference