Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science & Technology

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Health Minister launched the indigenously manufactured Td vaccine in Kasauli.

Vaccine – Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine introduced under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
Aim – Strengthening protection among adolescents and adults and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable Tetanus & Diphtheria.
Developed by – Central Research Institute (CRI), Himachal Pradesh.
Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Features – Contains a lower concentration of diphtheria antigen (d) suitable for older children and adults.
Coverage – India has achieved ~99% vaccine coverage.
- UIP covers 11 vaccines against 12 diseases.
Supply Target – 55 lakh doses to UIP by April 2026; production to scale up later.
Beneficiaries – Around 5 crore annually, with 2.5 crore children and 2.5 crore pregnant women.
Significance – Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat in health & reinforces India’s role as a global vaccine hub (“pharmacy of the world”).

Replacing Tetanus Toxoid (TT) with Td

Recommendation – WHO and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) recommended replacing TT with the Td vaccine for all age groups, including pregnant women.
- 133 countries have replaced TT with the Td vaccine.
Rationale – Waning Immunity – Diphtheria immunity declines after primary infant immunisation.
Booster doses required for continued protection.
Global Evidence – Eastern Europe & South America shifted to Td boosters, leading to a decline in diphtheria cases.

Quick Facts

Diphtheria

Caused by – Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Bacteria)
Transmission – Spreads from person to person.
Symptoms – Thick covering in the back of the throat.
Can cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death in severe cases.
Prevention – Can be prevented through a vaccine.

Tetanus

Caused by – Clostridium tetani (Bacteria)
Transmission – Enters the body through cuts or wounds (not contagious).
Symptoms – Painful tightening of muscles all over the body
Serious problems like inability to open mouth (lockjaw), trouble swallowing and breathing, or death.
Prevention – Can be prevented through a vaccine.
Prevalence – Nearly half of the global cases are from South Asia

Reference

PIB | Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine