Essay Topic: Pulse polio programme
After an unprecedented 2020, there are certain hopes associated with the year of 2021. With almost two months gone with the year, there are major health drives that have been carried out in the market. One among them which is most popular is the “ Polio Ravivar”- the Polip national immunisation day. It has been celebrated on January 31st and on this special day, the polio drops were given to the children below 5 years of age.
The country wide immunization programme is widely driven with a complete support of national and local health care workers. The programme was conducted for the sake of the people and is redirected to run a nationwide eradication of the polio.
Almost 17 crore of children of age less than 5 years were given polio drops as a part of the most talked about drive. If reports are to be believed, around 2 crores of houses were visited by the healthcare people to ensure that all the specific age groups of children receive the proper immunization without any delay.
Who all should get this vaccination?
Apparently the people who are and below the age of 5 need to get the vaccination done. To protect the future of the nation from any sort of attack of poliovirus, there is a need to let every child have the polio drops. The pulse polio programme was planned and executed keeping this thought in mind only. To make sure that our nation remains polio free like other developed countries of the world.
Children who should have this polio drops
- 2 months old child
- 4 months old child
- 6 through the 18 months old
- 4 through 6 years old
If you can maintain this order of polio drops, we can together fight against this deadly poliovirus. Experts believe that the below mentioned time frame should be kept in mind while you are planning the polio dose for the child.
- 1 dose at the age of 6 weeks or older
- 2nd dose at 4 or more weeks of first dose
- 3rd dose after the 4 or more weeks of second dose
- 4th dose after 6 or more months after the third dose.
By strictly following this protocol, one can think of going ahead safely from the deadly exposure of the virus that can cause poliovirus.
Different types of polio vaccine available in the market
The vaccination is easy to administer and fast to show results. However, as a part of variation, there are certain types of polio vaccines that are available in the market.
Inactive Poliovirus vaccine
The most common type of polio vaccine that has been used in the US since 2000, it is the safest way to administer the vaccine. The shot can be offered on either the leg or the arm. Again that is totally dependent on the patient’s age. Ideally a child should get a complete 4 doses total and in which one dose each should be taken at the following age :
- One at 2 months old
- One at 4 months old
- 6 through 18 months old
- 4 through 6 years old
Please note this type of vaccination is most commonly used in the developed nations such as the USA, Europe.
Oral Poliovirus Vaccine
Though it is the most easiest way of administration of vaccination but still this is largely banned in many of the countries. One among them is the United States. Even after a heavy ban from the Super power nations of the world, the vaccine is still available and accessible to many parts of the world. The OPV vaccine is administered via mouth to the child. The children at the same age group patterns, as discussed in above Inactive Poliovirus vaccine, get the dosage through the polio drops.
The today and Tomorrow of polio pulse programme
If we talk about the today and tomorrow of the polio pulse programme, the future of the nation is bright. With people becoming more aware and sensitive towards the disease, it is mostly expected that soon our nation would be declared as a polio free nation just like other nations.
Though it is a long process and takes many efforts to bring the desired results, tomorrow can be a brighter time period. If you know someone who needs these vaccinations or is lacking behind from the necessity of life, they should be informed at the earliest. This one step of humanity and sensitivity can go a longer way.
“Together we can, together we will!”
