Union Health Minister to Launch Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine at Central Research Institute, Kasauli on 21st February 2026

• Td (Tetanus and adult Diphtheria) vaccine is an adsorbed, reduced D-antigen content vaccine providing dual protection against tetanus + diphtheria, set to replace the monovalent TT (Tetanus Toxoid) vaccine in India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
• Launched by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on 21 February 2026 at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh — India's first indigenously manufactured Td vaccine by a government PSU.
• Aligns India with the WHO 2006 recommendation for transition from TT to Td; addresses waning diphtheria immunity in adolescents/adults.
• Relevant for GS-II (Health/Govt schemes) and GS-III (Sci-Tech, indigenous biotech).