TETANUS AND ADULT DIPHTHERIA (TD) VACCINE

NEWS: The Union Health Minister is launching the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at: Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh)

Td Vaccine

• Td vaccine = Combined vaccine that protects against: Tetanus, Diphtheria
• It is mainly given to: Adolescent, Adults, Pregnant women (in many immunization schedules)
• Purpose: Reduce morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) from vaccine-preventable diseases.
• It is made by combining: Purified Diphtheria Toxoid, Purified Tetanus Toxoid
• Toxoid: A toxin that has been inactivatedàCannot cause disease
• Still triggers immune response
• Concept: Td is a toxoid vaccine

Role of Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli

• Vaccine developed & manufactured by CRI
• Works under: Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Facts about Tetanus

• Cause: Bacterium: Clostridium tetani
• Produces a neurotoxin (tetanospasmin)
• Acute infectious disease
• High fatality rate (even with ICU care)
• Non-communicable (enters through wounds)
• Symptoms: Muscle stiffness, Painful spasms, Lockjaw (inability to open mouth)

Key Facts about Diphtheria

• Cause: Bacterium: Corynebacterium diphtheriae
• Mode of Spread: Person-to-person, Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)
• Symptoms: Sore throat, Breathing difficulty, Thick grey membrane in throat, Heart failure

Public Health Significance

• Strengthens adult immunization (often neglected)
• Prevents re-emergence of diphtheria outbreaks
• Supports Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
• Reduces disease burden in adolescents & adults
• Promotes indigenous vaccine manufacturing (Make in India)