Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

• 23 Feb 2026

Source:  PIB

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli. 

• This step strengthens Atmanirbharta in vaccine production, reducing import dependence and enhancing national health security.

What are the Key Features Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine?

• Dual Protection: Unlike the traditional Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine, which only protects against Tetanus, the Td vaccine provides protection against both Tetanus (T) and Diphtheria (d).
• Reduced Antigen Content: The "d" in Td stands for a reduced dose of diphtheria toxoid, which is specifically formulated for adults and adolescents to minimize side effects while effectively boosting immunity.
  • While childhood DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccines provide early cover, diphtheria immunity often declines in adulthood. The Td booster ensures long-term protection.
• Replacement of TT: World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that countries replace the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine with the Td vaccine. 
  
  • In India, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) has recommended replacing the TT vaccine with the Td vaccine in India’s immunization programme for all age groups, including pregnant women, to enhance protection against diphtheria while sustaining tetanus elimination gains. 
  • Supporting this shift, CRI has completed development, secured regulatory approvals, and begun commercial manufacturing of the Td vaccine.
    • The vaccine is now formally inducted into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), the world's largest immunization initiative. CRI Kasauli will supply 55 lakh doses by April 2026.

What are the Key Facts About Tetanus and Diphtheria?

• Tetanus
  • Etiology and Transmission: Tetanus is caused by anaerobic spores of Clostridium tetani found in soil and animal feces. 
    • It is non-communicable (cannot spread person-to-person) and enters the body through contaminated wounds, cuts, or the umbilical stump.
  • Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT): This remains a major cause of death in low-income settings. 
    • Neonatal tetanus typically occurs when non-sterile instruments are used to cut the umbilical cord.
  • Symptomology: Known commonly as "lockjaw," its hallmark symptoms include jaw cramping, painful muscle spasms (often triggered by noise), trouble swallowing, and seizures.
  • Prevention and Immunization Strategy: Tetanus is entirely preventable through Tetanus-Toxoid-Containing Vaccines (TTCV). 
    • However, recovery from the disease does not provide natural immunity, necessitating vaccination even for survivors.
  • Global Progress: Neonatal tetanus deaths saw a 97% reduction between 1988 and 2018 due to aggressive global scaling of immunization programs.
  • India’s Public Health Milestones: India in 2015, reduced the annual rate of neonatal tetanus to less than 1 case per 1,000 live births in every district.
  • Digital Tracking: India utilizes the U-WIN platform to digitally track every vaccination event for nearly 5 crore annual beneficiaries, ensuring they receive all 27 mandated doses up to age 16.
• Diphtheria
  • Etiology: Caused by toxin-producing strains of the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
  • Transmission: Spreads through respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing) or direct contact. Notably, asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the bacteria.
  • The "Pseudomembrane": A hallmark symptom is the formation of a thick, grey coating of dead tissue in the nose and throat within 2–3 days of infection, which can lead to respiratory obstruction.
  • Fatal Complications: The toxin can enter the bloodstream, causing myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) and neuropathy (nerve damage). Without treatment, the fatality rate can reach 30%, particularly in children under 5.
  • Risk Factors: Overcrowding in refugee camps, damaged health infrastructure due to conflict, and under-vaccination are primary drivers of recent resurgences.
    • The pandemic caused significant setbacks in routine immunization and surveillance, leaving millions of children susceptible to outbreaks.
  • Treatment : Treatment requires Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) to neutralize the toxin and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. However, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in diphtheria strains is a growing concern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Td vaccine and how is it different from the TT vaccine?
   Td vaccine provides dual protection against tetanus and diphtheria, unlike TT which protects only against tetanus.
   
   
2. Why did India replace the TT vaccine with the Td vaccine?
   Based on WHO and NTAGI recommendations, the shift enhances diphtheria protection while sustaining tetanus elimination gains.
   
   
3. What is the significance of indigenous Td vaccine production at CRI Kasauli?
   It strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat, reduces import dependence, and ensures reliable vaccine supply for UIP.
   
   
4. How does tetanus differ from diphtheria in transmission?
   Tetanus is non-communicable and enters through wounds, while diphtheria spreads via respiratory droplets and carriers.
   
   
5. What role does the U-WIN platform play in immunization?
   U-WIN digitally tracks vaccination for millions of beneficiaries, ensuring timely coverage and monitoring under UIP.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q.With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021) 

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (c)

Q.Consider the following diseases: (2014) 

1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox 

Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?  

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 3 only  

(c) 1, 2 and 3  

(d) None  

Ans: (b)