Made in India: Nadda Launches Indigenous Td Vaccine at Kasauli Centre

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute in Himachal Pradesh. The launch marks a decisive step toward strengthening India’s public health infrastructure and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in healthcare. With this, India further consolidates its position as a global vaccine manufacturing leader.

Indigenous Td Vaccine Launched at CRI Kasauli

• The indigenous Td vaccine India launch took place at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli, one of India’s premier public sector vaccine manufacturing institutions.
• Union Health Minister JP Nadda described the moment as historic, stating that it marks a significant step towards national health security and stronger public health infrastructure.
• The vaccine will now replace the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine in line with global recommendations and NTAGI guidelines.

55 Lakh Td Vaccine Doses for Universal Immunization Programme

With the formal launch, the Td vaccine will now be supplied under India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Key Announcements,

• 55 lakh doses to be supplied by April 2026
• Production to scale up in subsequent years
• Integration into routine national immunization schedule

The Minister described the move as a historic occasion that strengthens national health security and vaccine self-reliance.

Why the Td Vaccine Transition Matters

The transition from Tetanus Toxoid (TT) to Td vaccine follows global recommendations.

Background Recommendations

• World Health Organization (WHO) recommended TT to Td transition in 2006
• Reaffirmed in WHO Tetanus Vaccine Position Paper (2017)
• Endorsed by Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE)
• Recommended in India by National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI)

The Td vaccine provides protection against both tetanus and diphtheria, strengthening immunity coverage for all age groups, including pregnant women.

India Achieves 99% Vaccine Coverage

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlighted that India has achieved nearly 99% vaccine coverage, calling it a transformative leap in public health.

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) Highlights,

• World’s largest immunization programme
• Covers 11 vaccines protecting against 12 diseases
• Nearly 5 crore beneficiaries annually
• 2.5 crore pregnant women
• 2.5 crore children
• Covers 27 doses from pregnancy to 16 years of age
• Digital tracking through the U-WIN platform

The government ensures five antenatal check-ups for pregnant women, including at least one specialist consultation.

CRI Kasauli: Strengthening Vaccine Self-Reliance

The Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli is the first government institute to manufacture vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

The institute successfully,

• Completed developmental studies
• Secured Test License
• Obtained Marketing Authorization
• Began commercial manufacturing
• Received clearance from Central Drugs Laboratory

The indigenous Td vaccine demonstrates India’s growing strength in vaccine innovation and regulatory compliance.

Question

2. The Td vaccine protects against which diseases?
A) Tuberculosis and Polio
B) Measles and Rubella
C) Tetanus and Diphtheria
D) Hepatitis and Influenza