Gujarat has kicked off a massive statewide Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign on the occasion of National Immunization Day, aiming to protect more than 82 lakh children under the age of five from the crippling effects of polio.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Health Minister Praful Pansheriya formally launched the campaign on June 28, urging parents across the state to ensure that every child between 0 and 5 years of age receives the two essential drops of the oral polio vaccine.

Over 82 Lakh Children to Be Vaccinated

According to the Gujarat Health Department, the campaign will cover more than 8.2 million children across the state. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is being administered free of cost at designated vaccination centres and has been proven to be both safe and highly effective in preventing polio.

Health officials emphasized that timely immunization is essential to protect children from the highly infectious disease, which can cause lifelong paralysis and permanent disability.

Special Vaccination Arrangements in Gandhinagar

Special vaccination booths and immunization centres have also been set up across Gandhinagar as part of the campaign. Authorities have appealed to parents and guardians to take all children below five years of age to their nearest vaccination centre and ensure they receive the life-saving vaccine.

The government also called on citizens to actively support the initiative and help maintain India's hard-earned polio-free status.

Why theese Two Drops Matter

Medical experts say that just two drops of the oral polio vaccine provide vital protection against the poliovirus. Polio primarily affects young children and can lead to irreversible paralysis, making routine immunization the most effective way to prevent the disease.

Health authorities continue to stress that every eligible child should receive the vaccine during Pulse Polio campaigns, regardless of their previous vaccination history, to strengthen community immunity and keep the virus from returning.