On 21 February 2026, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda officially launched India’s indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh — a significant milestone for the nation’s immunization landscape and public health infrastructure.
This strategic move marks a pivotal moment in strengthening India’s ability to prevent disease, enhance vaccine self-reliance, and expand protection across age groups beyond childhood immunization.
Strengthening Immunization Across All Ages
Traditionally, India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), one of the largest immunization initiatives worldwide, has focused on childhood vaccination to protect against a range of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, immunity against certain diseases — particularly diphtheria — can wane over time, especially in adolescents and adults. Under these circumstances, experts worldwide have long advocated booster vaccines to maintain strong immunity throughout life.
The Td vaccine represents a comprehensive solution, offering dual protection against tetanus — a severe bacterial disease causing muscle stiffness and potentially fatal complications — and diphtheria, a contagious infection that can obstruct breathing, damage the heart, and be life-threatening.
This dual-purpose vaccine replaces the older Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine in the national programme, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to transition from TT to Td to extend protection against diphtheria while maintaining tetanus immunity.
A Made-in-India Vaccine, Enhancing Self-Reliance
The Td vaccine was fully developed and manufactured by the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli — one of India’s oldest and most respected public vaccine production facilities. Historically, CRI has supplied critical vaccines and antisera under the UIP, and this launch further underscores its pivotal role in advancing domestic vaccine production.
During the launch event, Nadda praised the scientists and staff behind the effort, characterizing the occasion as both historic and strategic. He noted that producing the vaccine domestically contributes significantly to India’s national health security and the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Indigenous vaccine production carries multiple benefits:
-
Reduced dependence on imported vaccines, helping manage costs for public health programmes.
-
Strengthened local research and development, supporting scientific innovation and workforce development.
-
Enhanced national readiness for future disease threats, improving both access and responsiveness.
India’s position as a global leader in vaccine manufacturing — often called the “pharmacy of the world” — was highlighted during the launch, reflecting the country’s strong vaccine ecosystem and regulatory systems.
Integration Into the Universal Immunization Programme
A major highlight of the launch is the formal introduction of the Td vaccine into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This integration means that India’s public health infrastructure will now support broader vaccination efforts spanning children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant women.
For the 2026 rollout, CRI plans to supply approximately 55 lakh doses of the Td vaccine to UIP by April, with production scaling up in the coming years.
Incorporating the Td vaccine into UIP not only strengthens protection against tetanus and diphtheria but also revitalizes commitment to lifelong immunization. Expanded coverage can help reduce morbidity and mortality, particularly among adolescents and adults who historically lag in booster coverage.
National & Global Context
The launch comes at a time when immunization remains a cornerstone of public health advancement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India demonstrated its capacity to develop and distribute vaccines rapidly, administering over 220 crore doses across the nation and providing vaccines to nearly 100 countries through its Vaccine Maitri initiative.
Nadda used the occasion to underscore both India’s large-scale achievements in vaccine coverage and the importance of digital health innovations — such as digital vaccination certificates — that have strengthened delivery systems.
India’s achievement of WHO Maturity Level 3 status for its national regulatory systems further emphasizes the robustness and global credibility of its vaccine regulatory and manufacturing landscape.
Looking Ahead: Lifelong Protection and Health Security
The launch of the indigenous Td vaccine marks more than a milestone — it reflects a strategic evolution in India’s immunization efforts, moving towards comprehensive protection across the lifespan. By strengthening public health infrastructure, reducing dependency on imports, and enhancing the UIP, India continues to expand its commitment to safeguarding health at all ages.
As production increases and distribution intensifies across states and districts, millions more Indians will benefit from heightened immunity against tetanus and diphtheria — reinforcing the nation’s pursuit of a healthier, more resilient society.