Kasauli’s Central Research Institute made headlines on February 21 as it unveiled India’s first domestically produced Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (TD) vaccine, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda gracing the occasion. This development underscores a pivotal step in India’s journey towards vaccine independence.
Describing it as a ‘milestone for public health,’ Nadda lauded the CRI scientists and linked the innovation to national self-reliance initiatives. The vaccine’s introduction comes at a time when India boasts near-universal 99% immunization coverage, earning international acclaim for its health sector strides.
Looking ahead, CRI commits to delivering 55 lakh doses under the national immunization drive by April 2026, scaling up output steadily. Nadda spotlighted PM Modi’s leadership, noting how states are aligning to fulfill self-sufficiency targets in health and pharma.
India’s global reputation as a pharmaceutical powerhouse was reiterated, complete with its No. 3 WHO regulatory ranking. The minister drew sharp contrasts: while tetanus vaccines took decades globally and Japanese Encephalitis efforts spanned a century, India mastered two COVID vaccines in mere months, distributing 220 crore+ doses digitally—a testament to digital health transformation.
As production gears up, this vaccine promises enhanced protection against tetanus and diphtheria for adults, fortifying India’s public health armor and inspiring emerging vaccine producers worldwide.