Nadda launches indigenous tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine at CRI, Kasauli

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Saturday (February 21, 2026) launched the indigenously manufactured tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.

Describing the indigenous launch of the vaccine as a momentous occasion, he said the launch marks a significant step towards safeguarding national health security and strengthening India’s public health infrastructure.

55 lakh doses by April

With the formal launch of the Td vaccine, it has now been introduced for supply under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). The Central Research Institute will supply 55 lakh doses through UIP by April this year, with production expected to scale up progressively in subsequent years to further strengthen the programme implemented by the Government of India, said Mr. Nadda while addressing the gathering.

Highlighting India’s global standing, the Minister also stated that the country is widely recognised as the “pharmacy of the world” and is among the leading vaccine manufacturers globally. “Historically, vaccine and drug development timelines were long, tetanus vaccine development took decades globally, tuberculosis medicines took nearly 30 years to evolve and the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine took almost a century of scientific effort,” he said, adding “In contrast, during the COVID-19 pandemic, India developed two indigenous vaccines within nine months and administered over 220 crore doses, including booster doses.”

Done under GMP standards

Mr. Nadda said that CRI is the first government institute to manufacture vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, reflecting the modernisation and revitalisation of public sector vaccine manufacturing units.

He said the Universal Immunization Programme is the world’s largest immunisation programme, which currently provides 11 vaccines protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, in which CRI has made substantial contributions.