Launch of Indigenous Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine in India

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda officially launched an indigenously made tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine.

The launch took place at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.

Name of the Vaccine Launched

The vaccine launched is the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine.

It replaces the earlier Tetanus Toxoid (TT) Vaccine, which protected only against tetanus.

Why this launch is important

This vaccine marks a major step in strengthening public health infrastructure in India.

It supports the government’s goal of making India self-reliant (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in health and medicines.

What the vaccine does

The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria — two serious infectious diseases.

It is now included in India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to help protect people of all ages.

Production and supply

The Central Research Institute (CRI) will supply about 55 lakh (5.5 million) doses of the vaccine under the UIP by April 2026.

Production is expected to grow further in the coming years.

Theoretical Background (Why Td is Important)

Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness and can be life-threatening.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and breathing.

The Td vaccine gives protection against both diseases, making it better than the older TT vaccine.