Td Vaccine launched at Central Research Institute, Kasauli

Td Vaccine launched at Central Research Institute, Kasauli

¨     Td Vaccine launched at Central Research Institute, Kasauli.

¨     On 21 February 2026, the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine launched at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda.

¨     The Td vaccine (Tetanus and adult Diphtheria Vaccine – Adsorbed, Reduced D-Antigen Content) provides protection against both tetanus and diphtheria.

¨ In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that countries transition from tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine to Td vaccine.

¨     This recommendation was reaffirmed in the WHO Tetanus Vaccine Position Paper (2017) and in the 2002 and 2016 Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) consultations.

¨     It was noted that immunity against diphtheria may decline over time, making booster-based Td vaccination necessary.

¨     The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization also recommended replacing TT with Td in India’s immunization programme, including for pregnant women.

¨     The Central Research Institute completed developmental studies, licensing processes and commercial manufacturing preparations for the vaccine.

¨     The vaccine has received clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory and is ready for supply under the Universal Immunization Programme.

¨     Following the launch, about 55 lakh Td vaccine doses are planned to be supplied to the programme by April 2026.

¨     The Td vaccine combines purified diphtheria and tetanus toxoids adsorbed on aluminium phosphate with thiomersal as preservative.

¨     Its introduction is expected to reduce morbidity and mortality from these vaccine-preventable diseases while strengthening India’s domestic vaccine capacity.

¨     Tetanus (T) is a serious illness that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms and can lead to serious health complications, such as inability to open the mouth (lockjaw), difficulty swallowing and breathing, and can even lead to death.

¨ Diphtheria (D) is a life-threatening infection that can cause breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and death.