Finally, India has replaced the long-used Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine with the broader Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine under its Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), marking a major step in strengthening protection against two serious bacterial infections.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday formally launched the indigenously manufactured Td vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli. Describing the occasion as historic, he said the move reflects India’s growing self-reliance in vaccine production and its commitment to national health security.
The transition aligns India with recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which had advised countries in 2006 to shift from TT to Td. The recommendation was later reaffirmed through expert reviews and global position papers. India’s own National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) also recommended replacing TT with Td for all eligible age groups, including pregnant women.
The earlier TT vaccine protected only against tetanus, a potentially fatal infection that causes severe muscle stiffness and spasms. The new Td vaccine offers dual protection—against tetanus as well as diphtheria. Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets and can cause breathing difficulty, heart complications, and nerve damage. While childhood immunisation through DPT vaccines has significantly reduced cases, immunity against diphtheria can decline over time. The Td shot acts as a booster to maintain protection in adolescents and adults.
Following the launch, the CRI will supply 55 lakh doses of the Td vaccine to the UIP by April 2026. Production is expected to increase in the coming years to meet national requirements.
Speaking at the event, Nadda highlighted India’s growing stature as a global vaccine manufacturer. He noted that India is widely recognised as the “pharmacy of the world” and has achieved Maturity Level 3 under WHO’s global benchmarking of regulatory systems—reflecting the robustness of its vaccine regulatory framework.
“The UIP currently provides 11 vaccines protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, in which CRI has made substantial contributions.” He noted that every year approximately 2 to 2.5 crore children are born, and a similar number of women become pregnant. From the time of pregnancy registration, beneficiaries are tracked through digital platforms such as U-WIN. The government ensures that expectant mothers receive five antenatal check-ups, including at least one by a specialist.
“The immunization and tracking process continues until the child attains 16 years of age, covering 27 doses under the programme,” said the Minister.
Nadda also emphasized that CRI is the first government institute to manufacture vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, reflecting the modernization and revitalization of public-sector vaccine manufacturing units.
Meanwhile, health officials stated that immunisation coverage in India has reached nearly 99 percent, reflecting sustained efforts in outreach, monitoring, and service delivery. Institutional deliveries have also risen significantly in recent years, indicating improved access to maternal healthcare services.
The officials pointed out that, following the WHO recommendation, the CRI has undertaken the manufacturing of the Td vaccine. The institute successfully completed developmental studies, obtained a Test License, secured waivers for preclinical studies and Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, received marketing authorization and a license for manufacture and sale, initiated commercial manufacturing, and obtained release from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli.
