Polio Day will be observed across the country with a nationwide Pulse Polio Immunization drive on March 3. Know benefits of polio vaccine for your kid.
Polio Day on March 3, 2024: Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the nervous system.
Polio Day 2024 is not just a commemoration; it’s a reminder of the crucial importance of vaccination in eradicating this crippling disease. Polio, once a global scourge, has been significantly reduced thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. On Polio Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to lifesaving vaccines. By prioritising vaccination against polio and other preventable diseases, we can create a healthier, more resilient world for all. Together, we can consign polio to the annals of history and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. As we observe this day, it’s essential to highlight the benefits of the polio vaccine for every child that is mentioned below.
Prevention of Paralysis
The primary benefit of the polio vaccine is its ability to prevent paralysis. Poliovirus attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis, primarily in the legs. By vaccinating children, we shield them from the debilitating effects of this disease, ensuring they can lead healthy, active lives.
Herd Immunity
Vaccinating a significant portion of the population creates herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with certain medical conditions. This collective immunity is crucial in preventing outbreaks and ultimately eradicating polio.
Long-lasting Protection
The polio vaccine provides long-lasting protection against the virus. With proper vaccination schedules, children can develop immunity that lasts a lifetime, ensuring they remain safeguarded from the threat of polio even as they grow into adulthood.
cost-effective Intervention
Vaccination against polio is a highly cost-effective public health intervention. The economic burden of treating polio and its complications far outweighs the cost of vaccination programs. By investing in vaccination, we not only save lives but also reduce healthcare costs and contribute to economic development.
Global Efforts for Eradication
The polio vaccine is a cornerstone of global efforts to eradicate polio. Through initiatives like the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), governments, organizations, and communities work together to ensure every child receives the vaccine, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. By supporting these efforts, we move closer to achieving a polio-free world for future generations.
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. (Also read | Post-Polio Syndrome: Causes, symptoms and promising treatment options)
India had launched Pulse Polio immunization programme with Universal Immunization Program aiming at 100% coverage in the year 1995 following the Global Polio Eradication Initiative of the World Health Organization. On January 13, 2023, India completes 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 crucial in protecting the health and well-being of our children.
What is polio and its symptoms?
Polio has been around since time immemorial as the disease has been even depicted in ancient tomb paintings. According to mayoclinic, polio is an illness caused by a virus that mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food or contact with an infected person and 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 starts typically with the same kind of symptoms like non-paralytic polio, but soon progresses to intense pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness and spasm. It may lead to paralysis of leg or arm.