Credits: pib.gov.in
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda will launch the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine on 21 February 2026 at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
Strengthening Immunization Through Scientific Evidence
Extensive scientific evidence shows that widespread childhood immunization with DPT vaccines has significantly reduced diphtheria and tetanus cases across many countries. However, antibody levels—particularly against diphtheria—decline over time. As a result, experts recommend booster doses to sustain immunity.
Recognizing this need, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended in 2006 that countries transition from the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine to the Td vaccine. WHO reaffirmed this guidance in its 2017 Tetanus Vaccine Position Paper and through deliberations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) in 2002 and 2016.
National Recommendation and Policy Transition
Subsequently, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, endorsed replacing the TT vaccine with the Td vaccine across all age groups in India’s immunization programme, including pregnant women.
This strategic transition aims to extend protection against diphtheria while maintaining strong immunity against tetanus. At the same time, it safeguards the gains achieved in maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination and strengthens routine immunization efforts nationwide.
CRI Leads Indigenous Manufacturing
To operationalize this policy shift, CRI undertook the complete manufacturing process of the Td vaccine. The institute successfully completed developmental studies and obtained a Test License. It secured waivers for preclinical studies and Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, received Marketing Authorization and License for manufacture and sale, initiated commercial production, and obtained batch release from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli.
With all regulatory approvals in place, the vaccine now stands ready for rollout under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
Supply Rollout Under Universal Immunization Programme
Following the official launch, CRI will supply 55 lakh doses of the Td vaccine to the UIP by April 2026. Furthermore, production capacity will increase progressively in subsequent years, thereby reinforcing the Government of India’s immunization drive and expanding coverage among adolescents and adults.
Understanding Tetanus and Diphtheria
Tetanus causes severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms. In advanced cases, it can lead to lockjaw, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, and even death.
Diphtheria, on the other hand, is a life-threatening bacterial infection that can cause airway obstruction, heart failure, paralysis, and fatal complications.
As reported by pib.gov.in, the Td vaccine (Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria Vaccine – Adsorbed, Reduced D-Antigen Content) protects against both diseases. Manufacturers prepare it by combining purified diphtheria toxoid and purified tetanus toxoid. They adsorb the antigens onto aluminum phosphate, which acts as an adjuvant, and add thiomersal as a preservative.
Through this formulation, the vaccine strengthens immunity among adolescents and adults and reduces morbidity and mortality from these preventable diseases.
CRI’s Legacy in Vaccine Production
Established in 1905, the Central Research Institute operates under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in vaccine manufacturing in alignment with India’s National Vaccine Policy.
The institute consistently produces and supplies vaccines and antisera to meet the needs of the UIP and other public health programmes. Therefore, the launch of the Td vaccine at CRI not only enhances domestic manufacturing capacity but also ensures sustained availability of quality-assured vaccines under the National Immunization Programme.
High-Level Participation at Launch
Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, representatives of State Health Departments, public health experts, and key stakeholders will attend the launch event. The programme will also feature an address by Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda, underscoring the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening immunization and public health security across India.
