Statewide vaccination drive to protect children aged 10 and 16 against tetanus and diphtheria

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced a statewide vaccination drive aimed at children between ten and sixteen years old to administer a combined tetanus‑diphtheria (TD) booster. The campaign follows the routine immunisation schedule in which infants receive the Pentavalent vaccine that protects against five diseases, including diphtheria and tetanus, during the first year of life. Health officials say that a booster at the pre-teen stage reinforces immunity that can wane over time, reducing the risk of severe infection in schools and communities.

The drive will be coordinated through government schools, primary health centres and mobile vaccination units, ensuring that children in both urban and rural districts can access the shot without additional cost. Parents will receive notices through school newsletters and local media, and trained nurses will verify vaccination cards before administering the dose. The programme aims to reach over two million eligible children within a six-week window, with a monitoring system that records coverage rates daily to address any gaps promptly.

Strengthening protection against tetanus and diphtheria matters for India because past outbreaks have highlighted vulnerabilities in areas with low booster uptake, especially after natural disasters or in regions with limited sanitation. By extending immunity into adolescence, the health system hopes to lower hospital admissions and prevent long-term complications that can strain families and public resources. The initiative also aligns with global health targets that call for at least 95 percent coverage of diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis vaccines across all age groups.