In a major step to strengthen the country’s immunization framework, Union Health Minister JP Nadda inaugurated the indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli. The move aligns India’s immunization strategy with global recommendations and reinforces the country’s commitment to self-reliance in vaccine production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The transition from Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine to the Td vaccine follows recommendations made by the World Health Organization in 2006, advising countries to shift to Td to ensure broader protection. This guidance was reaffirmed in the WHO Tetanus Vaccine Position Paper (2017) and through deliberations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) in 2002 and 2016.
In line with these global recommendations, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has advised replacing the TT vaccine with the Td vaccine across all age groups, including pregnant women. The transition aims to strengthen protection against diphtheria while sustaining India’s achievements in maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination and routine immunization coverage.
To operationalize this shift, CRI undertook the manufacturing of the Td vaccine and successfully completed all required regulatory milestones. The institute carried out developmental studies, obtained a Test License, secured waivers for preclinical studies and Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, received Marketing Authorization along with license for manufacture and sale, initiated commercial production, and obtained batch release clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli.
The newly launched vaccine will be incorporated into India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), one of the largest public health initiatives globally. An initial supply of 55 lakh doses is expected by April 2026, with further scale-up planned in the coming years. The initiative not only enhances national vaccine security but also strengthens protection against diphtheria while maintaining the country’s hard-earned gains in tetanus control.
The launch marks another milestone in India’s expanding vaccine manufacturing capabilities and its continued efforts to reinforce public health infrastructure through scientific innovation and policy alignment with global standards.
