Union Health Minister launches indigenous Td vaccine at CRI, marking a major step toward self-reliance and stronger public health coverage.
In a significant development for India’s public health system, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has formally launched an indigenously developed Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the historic Central Research Institute (CRI), positioning the country to strengthen adult immunization coverage while advancing its Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in vaccine manufacturing. ()
The domestically produced vaccine will be supplied through the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), the world’s largest government-funded vaccination initiative.
CRI has committed to producing 5.5 million (55 lakh) doses by April 2026, with plans to scale up manufacturing capacity in subsequent phases to meet national demand.
Transition From TT to Td Vaccine
The introduction of the Td vaccine marks a strategic shift from the long-used tetanus toxoid (TT) shot. Unlike TT, which protects only against tetanus, the Td formulation provides dual protection against both tetanus and diphtheria.
This transition aligns India with World Health Organization recommendations that call for broader protection across age groups, particularly because immunity against diphtheria acquired during childhood can wane over time. The Td vaccine will be administered to:
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Pregnant women
Health officials said the move will help sustain maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination while addressing the re-emergence risk of diphtheria among older populations.
Tetanus remains a life-threatening bacterial infection that causes severe muscle spasms, breathing difficulty and high mortality without treatment. Diphtheria, though preventable, can lead to serious complications including myocarditis, nerve damage, paralysis and death.
By offering combined protection, the Td vaccine is expected to:
- Reduce disease burden in adolescents and adults
- Strengthen booster immunization coverage
- Improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes
- Prevent potential diphtheria outbreaks
Officials emphasized that expanding adult immunization is critical as India’s demographic profile changes and non-childhood vaccination gains importance.
Indigenous Manufacturing and Regulatory Milestone
The vaccine has been developed and manufactured at CRI Kasauli, one of India’s oldest public sector vaccine institutes, established in 1905. The institute completed all required regulatory approvals, licensing procedures and quality validations before commercial production.
The launch also reflects India’s strengthening vaccine regulatory ecosystem. The country has achieved WHO Maturity Level 3 for its National Regulatory Authority, indicating robust systems for ensuring vaccine safety, quality and efficacy.
Health authorities highlighted that indigenous production will:
- Ensure a stable and affordable domestic supply
- Reduce dependence on imports
- Enhance national health security
- Support rapid scale-up during public health emergencies
Role of the Universal Immunization Programme
The UIP currently provides protection against multiple vaccine-preventable diseases and reaches millions of beneficiaries annually, including children and pregnant women. The addition of Td strengthens the programme’s lifecycle approach to immunization, extending protection beyond childhood.
Officials noted that integrating the Td vaccine into routine schedules will improve booster coverage and create long-term population immunity against both tetanus and diphtheria.
The launch is being viewed not only as a public health milestone but also as a strategic step toward self-reliance in biopharmaceuticals. Public sector manufacturing through CRI is expected to play a key role in ensuring equitable access to essential vaccines at controlled costs.
The initiative also complements India’s broader efforts to expand domestic vaccine R&D, strengthen cold-chain infrastructure and build resilient supply systems.
With initial production targets set for April 2026, the government plans to gradually scale up output to meet national requirements and potentially support global supply in the future.
Health experts say the success of the Td rollout will depend on:
- Effective integration into UIP schedules
- Awareness among healthcare providers
- Adult booster uptake
- Continued investment in public sector manufacturing
The launch signals a shift toward comprehensive, lifecycle immunization in India — reinforcing disease prevention, maternal health and vaccine self-sufficiency while aligning national policy with global immunization standards.
References:
- Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda Launches Indigenously Manufactured Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine at Central Research Institute, Himachal Pradesh – (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2231147®=3&lang=2)
Source-Medindia