Polio Day on March 3, 2024: The nationwide Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign will be launched in all districts of the country on Polio Day, Sunday, March 3, to vaccinate children under 5 years of age against polio. Preparations for the polio immunization drive are in full swing and thousands of polio vaccination booths have been set up by health authorities in several states from Tamil Nadu, Gurgaon, Madhya Pradesh to Nagaland. and has been training volunteers to vaccinate children against polio. (Also Read | Post-Poliomyelitis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Promising Treatment Options)
Following the World Health Organization’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative, India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Program and the Universal Immunization Program, with the goal of achieving 100% coverage by 1995. On January 13, 2023, India completed 12 polio-free years.
Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the nervous system. Understanding this debilitating disease and the importance of polio immunization is critical to protecting the health and well-being of our children.
What is polio and its symptoms?
Polio has been around since ancient times and is even depicted in ancient tomb murals. According to Mayoclinic, polio is a disease caused by a virus that primarily affects nerves in the spinal cord or brainstem. It is spread through contaminated water or food or contact with an infected person and can even cause paralysis. Most people infected with polio will not develop any symptoms. For people who are symptomatic, polio can start with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea, etc. A person may be affected by paralytic or non-paralytic polio. Paralytic polio usually begins with the same symptoms as non-paralytic polio, but quickly progresses to severe pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, and spasms. It may cause paralysis of the legs or arms.
“Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus and is usually spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. The virus attacks the nervous system, may cause paralysis, and in severe cases, may be fatal. Initial Symptoms It may be something like: Dr Saurabh Khanna, chief consultant, Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.
Importance of polio immunization
According to the CDC, children should receive four doses of polio vaccine. The first dose should be given when the baby is 2 months old, followed by 4 months of age. The next dose of vaccine should be given between 6 months and 18 months and between 4 and 6 years of age.
Dr. Khanna shares five benefits of vaccinating your children against polio:
1. Prevent the spread of polio: Immunization is the most effective way to prevent the spread of poliovirus. By ensuring your child receives the recommended dose of polio vaccine, you can contribute to building a protective barrier against the virus in your community.
2. Eradicate polio globally: The commitment to polio immunization plays a vital role in global efforts to eradicate the disease. Significant progress has been made through widespread vaccination campaigns, with some countries successfully eliminating polio. Sustained vaccination efforts are critical to achieving a polio-free world.
3. To protect unvaccinated individuals: Immunization not only protects vaccinated individuals, but also helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with certain medical conditions. The concept of community or herd immunity is an important aspect of preventing outbreaks.
4. Long-term health and well-being: The consequences of polio can be serious and life-changing. By ensuring your child receives the recommended polio vaccinations, you are investing in their long-term health and well-being, minimizing the risk of suffering the debilitating effects of the disease.
5. Economic benefits: Polio imposes a significant financial burden on individuals, families and communities. The costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost productivity can be substantial. Immunization is a cost-effective strategy to prevent the economic strain caused by polio-related illness.