Launch of Indigenous Td Vaccine for UIP
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Vaccine scope: BEFORE, the standard was the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine protecting only against tetanus. NOW, the Td vaccine provides dual protection against both tetanus and diphtheria.
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Booster composition: BEFORE, adulthood boosters for diphtheria were less prioritized or utilized standard doses. NOW, the Td vaccine acts as a specific booster with reduced diphtheria antigen (represented by the lower-case 'd') to minimize adverse reactions in older populations.
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Maternal immunization: BEFORE, pregnant women received TT shots strictly to prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus. NOW, they receive the Td vaccine, which extends protection to the newborn against both diseases.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Td vaccine recently integrated into India's Universal Immunization Programme? 1. The 'd' in the Td vaccine stands for a reduced dose of the diphtheria toxoid formulated specifically for adults and adolescents. 2. The NTAGI recommends the Td vaccine only for adolescents, explicitly excluding pregnant women.