Polio Day on March 3, 2024: A nationwide Pulse Polio Immunization drive to administer polio vaccine to children below the age of 5 will be conducted on March 3, Sunday across the country in all districts on Polio Day.
The preparation for the polio immunization drive is on in full swings and health authorities in several states from Tamil Nadu, Gurgaon, Madhya Pradesh, to Nagaland have set up thousands of polio booths and have been training volunteers for the administration of polio vaccine to children.
India launched a Pulse Polio immunization program with the Universal Immunization Program aiming to achieve 100% coverage in 1995, following the Global Polio Eradication Initiative of the World Health Organization. On January 13, 2023, India completes 12 polio-free years.
Polio, which is also known as poliomyelitis, is a viral infection that is highly contagious and mainly affects the nervous system. Protecting the health and well-being of our children requires us to understand this debilitating disease and the importance of polio immunization.
What is polio and its symptoms?
Polio has been around since time immemorial, as the disease has even been depicted in ancient tomb paintings. Mayoclinic states that polio is caused by a virus that primarily affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food, or contact with an infected person, and can even cause paralysis.
Most people infected with polio do not get any symptoms. For those who experience symptoms, polio begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea etc. One can be affected by paralytic or non-paralytic polio. Paralytic polio typically starts with the same symptoms as non-paralytic polio, but soon progresses to intense pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, and spasms. It may lead to paralysis of leg or arm.
Polio is caused by the poliovirus and typically spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. The virus attacks the nervous system, which could lead to paralysis, and in severe cases, it can result in death. Initial symptoms may resemble those of the flu, including fever, headache, and muscle pain.
However, in more serious cases, the virus can cause permanent muscle weakness or paralysis, especially in the limbs,” says Dr Saurabh Khanna, Lead Consultant, paediatric & Neonatology& C K Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.
Importance of polio immunization
As per CDC, children should get four doses of polio vaccine. The first dose should be administered when they are 2 months old, followed by 4 months later. The next doses should be administered between 6 months and 18 months old, and between 4 and 6 years old.
Dr. Khanna shares five benefits of immunization of your kid with polio:
- Preventing the spread of polio: Immunization is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the poliovirus. Creating a protective barrier against the virus in the community is possible by ensuring that your child receives the recommended doses of the polio vaccine.
- Eradicating polio globally: The commitment to polio immunization plays a vital role in the global effort to eradicate this disease. Several countries have successfully eliminated polio through widespread vaccination campaigns, making significant strides. To achieve a world free of polio, it is crucial to continue vaccination efforts.
- Immunization provides protection for both vaccinated individuals and those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as infants or individuals with certain medical conditions. This concept of community or herd immunity is a crucial aspect of preventing outbreaks.
- Long-term health and well-being: The consequences of polio can be severe and life-altering. By ensuring your child receives the recommended polio vaccinations, you are investing in their long-term health and well-being, minimizing the risk of enduring the debilitating effects of the disease.
- Economic benefits: Polio can place a significant economic burden on individuals, families, and communities. The costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of productivity can be overwhelming. The financial strain caused by polio-related illnesses can be prevented by immunization, which is a cost-effective strategy.
Polio drops age
2 months old, 4 months old, 6 through 18 months old, and 4 through 6 years old.
Pulse Polio date in karnataka 2024
March 3rd, 2024
Polio vaccine date 2024 in india
India’s National Vaccination Day on March 3, 2024.
ipv vaccine
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) was developed in 1955 by Dr Jonas Salk. Also called the Salk vaccine IPV consists of inactivated (killed) poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types. IPV is given by intramuscular or intradermal injection and needs to be administered by a trained health worker.
