New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda will launch the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday.
Extensive scientific evidence demonstrates that widespread childhood vaccination with diphtheria-tetanus (DT) vaccines in many countries has led to significant reductions in the incidence of both diphtheria and tetanus.
However, antibody levels can decline over time, particularly with diphtheria, necessitating booster doses. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended in 2006 that countries transition from tetanus (TT) vaccine to Td vaccine. This recommendation has been reaffirmed in WHO position papers on tetanus vaccines (2017) and deliberations by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) in 2002 and 2016.
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, also recommended replacing TT vaccine with Td vaccine in all age groups in India, including pregnant women. This shift aims to broaden and strengthen protection against diphtheria in addition to tetanus, even as maintaining gains made in the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus and routine immunization activities.
To support this initiative, CRI has produced the Td vaccine. The institute successfully completed development research, obtained testing licenses, received exemptions from preclinical studies and Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, secured marketing authorization and manufacturing and sales licenses, and commenced commercial production with approval from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli. The vaccine is now ready for launch and supply under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
Following the launch of the Td vaccine by Nadda, CRI will supply 5.5 million doses to the UIP by April 2026, with supplies expected to scale up further in subsequent years to further strengthen India’s large-scale immunization program.
Tetanus (T) is a serious disease that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms and can lead to severe health complications, including lockjaw, difficulty breathing, and potentially death. Diphtheria (D) is a life-threatening infection that can cause breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis, and death.
The Td vaccine (Adult Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine – reduced antigen content) provides protection against tetanus and diphtheria. It is a combination of purified diphtheria toxoid and purified tetanus toxoid. The antigens are adsorbed onto aluminum phosphate, which acts as an adjuvant, and thimerosal is added as a preservative. The introduction of the Td vaccine aims to enhance protection for adolescents and adults and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Central Research Institute (CRI), functioning under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, since 1905, plays a crucial role in vaccine production in line with the national vaccine policy. The institute is committed to producing and supplying vaccines and antisera to meet the requirements of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and other public health initiatives.
CRI’s launch of the Td vaccine is expected to enhance local production capacity and ensure the continued availability of quality-assured vaccines under the National Immunization Schedule.
