Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Context

1. The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare is set to launch the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh.
2. This marks an important step in strengthening India’s adult immunisation programme against two serious but preventable diseases.

What is the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine?

1. It is designed to provide combined protection against tetanus and diphtheria, especially in adolescents and adults.
2. Main Goal: Reduce illness (morbidity), prevent deaths (mortality) & close immunity gaps beyond childhood vaccination. It boosts protection in age groups that often miss routine boosters.
3. How is it prepared: The vaccine is made by combining Purified tetanus toxoid and Purified diphtheria toxoid. These antigens are adsorbed onto aluminium phosphate, which acts as an adjuvant (enhances immune response) and are preserved using thiomersal.
4. The Td vaccine is both heat-sensitive and freeze-sensitive, meaning strict cold-chain maintenance is essential.
5. Who Developed the Vaccine: Central Research Institute (CRI), under the Directorate General of Health Services.

Understanding Tetanus

1. Tetanus is caused by toxigenic strains of the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
2. It is an acute infectious disease which can affect people of any age and has high fatality rates even with intensive care.
3. Major Symptoms
   1. Painful muscle stiffness and spasms
   2. Lockjaw (difficulty opening mouth)
   3. Trouble swallowing and breathing (which may lead to death)
4. Tetanus is not spread person-to-person; it usually enters through wounds.

Understanding Diphtheria

1. Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Historically, it has been one of the most feared infectious diseases worldwide, causing large epidemics.
2. Regional Concern: Since 2005, South-East Asia has been the main contributor to global diphtheria cases, making adult vaccination especially relevant in India.
3. Transmission: Spreads from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing)
4. Major Symptoms: Breathing difficulty, Heart failure and Paralysis. It can be fatal if untreated.

Conclusion

The Td vaccine represents a major shift from child-only immunisation to life-course vaccination, strengthening India’s defence against tetanus and diphtheria in the adult population. It also aligns with long-term goals of universal immunisation across all age groups.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine? 

It is a combined vaccine protecting against tetanus and diphtheria, designed for adolescents and adults to close immunity gaps beyond childhood.

Q2. Who developed the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine? 

The Central Research Institute in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, under the Directorate General of Health Services.

Q3. How is the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine prepared? 

It combines purified tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, adsorbed on aluminium phosphate (adjuvant), preserved with thiomersal.

Q4. Why is the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine important for India? 

South-East Asia, including India, remains a hotspot for diphtheria cases since 2005, and tetanus continues to have high fatality rates. Adult immunisation strengthens long-term protection.

Q5. What are the storage requirements for the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine?

The Td vaccine is both heat-sensitive and freeze-sensitive, requiring strict cold-chain maintenance.