Nagaland to administer oral polio vaccine to over 1.40 lakh children
Kohima, June 26 (MExN): Nagaland will observe National Immunization Day (NID) on June 28, with a target to administer oral polio vaccine (OPV) to 1,43,530 children under the age of five across all districts, a health official said on Friday.
The campaign is part of India’s nationwide effort to sustain its polio-free status, which the country has maintained since 2014. State Immunization Officer Dr Imkong Temsu Longchar, in a press release, emphasised that all children in the age group must receive two drops of OPV, irrespective of their previous vaccination history, to prevent the re-introduction of the virus from endemic countries.
“These drops are safe, free and essential to protect our children from the crippling effects of poliomyelitis,” Dr Longchar stated. “If exposed to the virus, it can cause lifelong paralysis and disability,” he added underlining the need for continued vigilance.
The immunization drive will be conducted on June 28 from 8 AM to 3 PM at designated polio booths. To ensure no child is missed, health workers will mark the left little finger of each child with indelible ink (non-toxic) after administering the vaccine. This simple step helps track coverage and guarantees that every child receives protection, Dr Longchar stated.
The directorate has appealed to parents and caregivers to bring their children to the nearest booth. It has also called upon civil society organizations, faith leaders, village councils, Lions Clubs, Rotary International, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), and other community bodies to actively participate in awareness and mobilization efforts.
“Your trusted voices and networks are vital to ensure 100% coverage and to reinforce the importance of protecting every child,” the release added, urging the community to support health workers in safeguarding the future of the state's children and keeping India polio-free.
