LAUNCH OF TETANUS & ADULT DIPHTHERIA VACCINE
What Happened?
- Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda will launch the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine on 21st February 2026.
- The launch will take place at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
- The vaccine will be included in India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
India earlier used the TT (Tetanus Toxoid) Vaccine.
Now, it is being replaced by the Td Vaccine.
Reason:
- DPT vaccination reduced diphtheria and tetanus cases in children.
- However, diphtheria immunity declines over time.
- Booster doses are required during adolescence and adulthood.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended shifting from TT to Td in 2006, and reaffirmed it in 2017. India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) also supported this change.
WHAT DOES Td STAND FOR?
Td stands for:
- T – Tetanus
- d – Adult Diphtheria (Reduced Dose)
It protects against:
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
Composition:
- Purified Tetanus Toxoid
- Purified Diphtheria Toxoid
- Aluminum Phosphate (Adjuvant to boost immune response)
- Thiomersal (Preservative)
ABOUT THE DISEASES
Tetanus
- Caused by bacteria entering through wounds
- Leads to muscle stiffness and painful spasms
- Can cause lockjaw, breathing difficulty and even death
Diphtheria
- A serious bacterial infection
- Causes breathing problems
- May lead to heart failure, paralysis and death
Both are vaccine-preventable diseases.
WHY REPLACE TT WITH Td?
Earlier TT vaccine protected only against Tetanus.
The Td vaccine:
- Protects against both Tetanus and Diphtheria
- Strengthens immunity in adolescents and adults
- Supports India’s success in eliminating Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus
This shift improves overall disease protection.
ROLE OF CENTRAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Established in 1905
- Functions under Directorate General of Health Services
- Manufactures vaccines for national programmes
For the Td vaccine, CRI:
- Conducted developmental studies
- Obtained Test License
- Received Marketing Authorization
- Completed regulatory approvals
- Started Commercial Manufacturing
The vaccine has been cleared by the Central Drugs Laboratory and is ready for supply.
SUPPLY PLAN
- 55 lakh doses will be supplied to the Universal Immunization Programme by April 2026.
- Production will increase in coming years.
This will strengthen immunization coverage in India.
Importance for Public Health
- Expands protection beyond childhood
- Reduces morbidity and mortality
- Strengthens domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in healthcare
CONCLUSION
The launch of the Td Vaccine marks an important upgrade in India’s National Immunization Policy. By replacing TT with Td, India ensures dual protection against Tetanus and Diphtheria for adolescents, adults and pregnant women. This move strengthens public health security, improves long-term immunity, and supports India’s goal of building a strong and self-reliant healthcare system.
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