**Executive Summary**
The Union Health Minister will launch the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli on February 21st, 2026. This initiative aims to replace the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine with the Td vaccine in India's immunization program for all age groups. The CRI will supply 55 lakh doses to the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) by April 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Vaccine Launch and Implementation:**
* The Td vaccine launch event will occur on February 21st, 2026, at CRI, Kasauli.
* The Td vaccine will replace the TT vaccine in India's immunization program for all age groups, including pregnant women.
* The CRI will supply 55 lakh doses of the Td vaccine to the UIP by April 2026, with supply expected to increase in subsequent years.
* **Vaccine Details and Benefits:**
* The Td vaccine protects against both tetanus and diphtheria.
* It is composed of purified diphtheria toxoid and purified tetanus toxoid.
* The vaccine strengthens protection among adolescents and adults, reducing vaccine-preventable diseases' morbidity and mortality.
* **CRI's Role:**
* The CRI has successfully manufactured the Td vaccine after developmental studies and clinical trials.
* The launch of the Td vaccine at CRI is expected to augment domestic manufacturing capacity and ensure sustained vaccine availability.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:**
*Impact:* Oversees the transition from TT to Td vaccine and strengthens the immunization program.
*Action Required:* Ensure smooth implementation of the Td vaccine into the national immunization schedule.
**Central Research Institute (CRI):**
*Impact:* Pivotal role in manufacturing and supplying the Td vaccine.
*Action Required:* Meet the supply target of 55 lakh doses by April 2026 and increase production in subsequent years.
**General Public (Especially Adolescents, Adults, and Pregnant Women):**
*Impact:* Enhanced protection against tetanus and diphtheria, reducing morbidity and mortality.
*Action Required:* Receive the Td vaccine as per the immunization schedule.
**State Health Departments:**
*Impact:* Implementing the new Td vaccine program and ensuring accessibility.
*Action Required:* Integrate the Td vaccine into state-level immunization programs and create awareness among the public.
Key Entities Referenced
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): A government immunization program in India, which the Td vaccine will be supplied under.
Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli: The location where the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine is being launched and will be manufactured.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: The ministry responsible for the launch and oversight of the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine program.
National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI): Advisory group that recommended replacing the TT vaccine with the Td vaccine.
Td vaccine (Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria Vaccine): The vaccine being launched to provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Minister to Launch Tetanus and
Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine at Central Research
Institute, Kasauli on 21st February 2026
Posted On: 20 FEB 2026 5:29PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J.P. Nadda will launch the Tetanus and Adult
Diphtheria (Td) vaccine on 21st February 2026 (Tomorrow) at the Central Research Institute (CRI),
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
Extensive scientific evidence indicates that widespread childhood immunization with DPT group of
vaccines has significantly reduced the incidence of diphtheria and tetanus in many countries. However,
antibody levels may decline over time especially in the case of Diphtheria, necessitating booster doses. In
view of this 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 through deliberations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts
(SAGE) in 2002 and 2016.
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare, has also recommended replacing the TT vaccine with the Td vaccine in India’s immunization
programme for all age groups, including pregnant women. This transition aims to extend and strengthen
protection against diphtheria in addition to tetanus, while sustaining the gains achieved in maternal and
neonatal tetanus elimination and routine immunization activities. To support this initiative, 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 License for manufacture and sale, initiated commercial
manufacturing, and obtained release 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 the Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and
Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, CRI will supply 55 lakh doses to the UIP by April 2026. The
supply is expected to increase progressively in subsequent years to further strengthen the Universal
Immunization Programme of Govt. of India.
Tetanus (T) is a serious disease that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms and can lead to severe
health complications, including inability to open the mouth (lockjaw), difficulty in swallowing and
breathing, and may result in death. Diphtheria (D) is a potentially life-threatening infection that can cause
breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis, and death.
The Td vaccine (Tetanus and adult Diphtheria Vaccine – Adsorbed, Reduced D-Antigen Content) provides
protection against both tetanus and diphtheria. It is prepared by combining purified diphtheria toxoid and
purified tetanus toxoid. The antigens are adsorbed onto aluminum phosphate, which acts as an adjuvant,
and thiomersal is added as a preservative. The introduction of the Td vaccine is aimed at strengthening
protection among adolescents and adults and reducing 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 pivotal role in vaccine
production in alignment with the National Vaccine Policy. The Institute is engaged in the manufacture and
supply of vaccines and antisera to meet the requirements of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
and other public health initiatives. The launch of the Td vaccine at CRI is expected to augment domestic
manufacturing capacity and ensure sustained availability of quality-assured vaccines under the National
Immunization Programme.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, representatives of State Health
Departments, public health experts, and other stakeholders will be present on the occasion. The
programme will include an address by the Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda.
***
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