The Karnataka Health Department will launch a Pulse Polio vaccination drive on June 28, aiming to immunize nearly 65 lakh children across the state. The initiative is part of the ongoing effort to maintain India's polio-free status.
Extensive Network of Booths and Teams
To ensure maximum coverage, the health department has set up 36,076 vaccination booths across Karnataka. Additionally, 988 mobile teams will reach children in hilly and remote areas, while 2,125 transit teams will operate at bus stands, railway stations, and other transit points to vaccinate children on the move.
Health officials have been instructed to maintain strict cold chain protocols to preserve the potency of the oral polio vaccine. Supervisors will monitor the drive to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
Target Group and Importance
The campaign targets children aged 0-5 years. According to the health department, this age group is most vulnerable to polio, and sustained vaccination is critical to prevent the resurgence of the disease. India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization in 2014, but continued immunization is necessary due to the risk of importation from endemic countries.
“We urge all parents to bring their children to the nearest booth and get them vaccinated. This is a simple but vital step to protect them from polio,” said a senior health department official.
Previous Success and Challenges
Karnataka has consistently achieved high coverage in previous Pulse Polio rounds. However, reaching migrant populations and families in remote areas remains a challenge. The mobile and transit teams are specifically deployed to address these gaps.
The drive will run for several days, with catch-up sessions planned for children who miss the initial vaccination. Health workers will also conduct house-to-house visits to identify and vaccinate any missed children.
Public Cooperation Essential
Health department officials have appealed to the public to cooperate and ensure every child receives the vaccine. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials have been distributed to raise awareness about the campaign.
The Pulse Polio program is a national initiative, and Karnataka's effort is part of the larger goal to keep India polio-free. The state has allocated necessary resources and trained personnel to execute the drive smoothly.
