Kerala is all set for a massive Pulse Polio Immunisation campaign on Sunday, October 12, as part of the continued effort to eradicate polio from the state, Health Minister Veena George announced. The oral polio vaccine will be administered to all children under five years, ensuring every child is protected.
The drive will cover 21,11,010 children through 22,383 booths, including transit and mobile units. A dedicated team of 44,766 volunteers will oversee booth operations and house-to-house visits, ensuring no child is left out. The minister appealed to all parents to actively participate and make sure their children receive the drops.
Booths will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at schools, anganwadis, libraries, government hospitals, and private health facilities. Transit booths at bus stations, railway stations, airports, and boat jetties will remain open until 8 p.m. Mobile booths will cover migrant labour camps and tourist centres from October 12 to 14.
Children who miss the vaccination on October 12 will be visited at home by volunteers on October 13 and 14. The campaign is being conducted in collaboration with local self-government bodies, the Department of Women and Child Development, Rotary International, and other voluntary organisations.
Although Kerala has not reported any polio cases since 2000, and India has been polio-free since 2011, with the World Health Organization declaring India polio-free in March 2014, the disease remains active in neighboring countries Pakistan and Afghanistan. Officials emphasize the importance of vaccinating every child under five to prevent any resurgence.
The state-level inauguration of the campaign will take place at Kozhencherry Government High School, Pathanamthitta, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, led by Health Minister Veena George.
