India took a significant leap in public health this Saturday, as Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda unveiled the country’s first indigenously produced Tetanus and adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. This new vaccine, developed by a government institute, is set to replace the traditional tetanus toxoid (TT) shot that’s been in use for decades—a move closely aligned with World Health Organization recommendations first issued back in 2006.
The launch isn’t just a symbolic win for self-reliance (or “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” as officials call it). The numbers are impressive: by April 2026, the Central Research Institute will supply 55 lakh doses of the Td vaccine to the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). And that’s just the beginning—production is expected to ramp up in subsequent years to further bolster the government’s immunisation efforts across India.
Why Td, and Why Now?
The switch from TT to Td means that, along with tetanus—an infection infamous for causing painful muscle spasms and even death—the vaccine will now also protect adults and adolescents from diphtheria. Diphtheria, which spreads through respiratory droplets, can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and paralysis. While childhood DPT vaccines have helped slash the number of cases, health officials warn that immunity to diphtheria fades over time, making adult boosters essential. India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization advised this very transition to sustain gains against maternal and neonatal tetanus and to strengthen diphtheria protection.
Cost, Coverage, and Global Standing
There’s another major benefit: affordability. Until now, India’s immunisation programme relied on vaccines from private players like the Serum Institute of India and Biological E. With the government-run CRI now producing the Td vaccine, officials expect prices to drop “drastically,” making immunisation more accessible nationwide. The Kasauli institute is the only government facility in the country with a good manufacturing practice certification, ensuring both quality and capacity.
Minister Nadda also took the opportunity to highlight India’s growing influence in global health. Not only did India achieve 100% COVID-19 vaccine coverage (compared to 50–60% in the US and Europe), but the nation also provided vaccines to around 100 countries—nearly half of them for free—under the Vaccine Maitri initiative. India, often dubbed the “pharmacy of the world,” has reached Maturity Level 3 in WHO’s global regulatory benchmarking, a nod to its robust vaccine oversight.
As the new Td vaccine rolls out under the Universal Immunization Programme, it represents not just a technical upgrade, but a moment of pride and progress—underscoring India’s commitment to both self-reliance and global health leadership.
