Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine Latest News

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare will launch the Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.

About Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

• It provides protection against both tetanus and diphtheria.
• Preparation: It is prepared by combining purified diphtheria toxoid and purified tetanus toxoid.
• The antigens are adsorbed onto aluminum phosphate, which acts as an adjuvant, and thiomersal is added as a preservative.
• The Td vaccine is aimed at strengthening protection among adolescents and adults and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with these vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Td is freeze and heat sensitive.
• The vaccine has been developed and manufactured by the Central Research Institute (CRI), which functions under the Directorate General of Health Services.

Key Facts about Tetanus

• Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by toxigenic strains of the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
• The disease may occur at any age and case-fatality rates are high even where intensive care is available.
• Symptoms: It causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms and can lead to severe health complications.
• Inability to open the mouth (lockjaw), difficulty in swallowing and breathing, and may result in death.

About Diphtheria

• It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been one of the most feared infectious diseases globally, which causes devastating epidemics.
• South East Asia is the primary driver of global diphtheria incidence, especially since 2005.
• Spread: It can spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing.
• Symptoms: It is a potentially life-threatening infection that can cause breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis, and death.

Source: PIB

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