The Central and State governments are bracing up to conduct massive immunisation drive  against the polio virus following the detection of a case in Yeshwanthpur, where two-year-old Zeeshan was diagnosed with P3 polio virus on   November 29.

“We have enough trivalent polio vaccine to vaccinate 16 lakh children and we are expecting another consignment to vaccinate 16 lakh more children from the Centre. The Centre has released Rs 50 lakh for the programme,” said Principal Secretary to Health and Family, Usha Ganesh.

Addressing reporters in Bangalore after the State Level Steering Committee Meeting chaired by Chief Secretary P B Mahishi on Wednesday, Ms Ganesh said that 4,350 booths will be set up for administering the vaccine to all children aged below five, in the target  areas.

“Apart from these, 246 mobile teams will be formed to take care of the migrant population including street dwellers and beggars. There will be another 214 teams additionally, which will be stationed at bus stands and railway stations,” she said.

 Ms Ganesh said that the Chief Secretary has suggested that nursing students should be roped in, to facilitate the immunisation drive, especially among migrant families.

Stating that the ‘mop-up’ round will ensure protection to all local children against the crippling disease, Ms Ganesh appealed to all parents to bring their children, below five years, to the nearest booth on
December 9 to be administered  the oral polio vaccine, irrespective of whether they may have
received  polio drops earlier.

Rotary International District 3190, which is providing logistic support to the drive, has already received banners, asking parents to prevent the spread of the polio virus by bringing their children to be administered with the Oral Polio Vaccine.

POLIO MYTHS
Myth: Children who have received routine immunisation, need not come for polio vaccination.

Reality: In the event of an outbreak like this, all children, below five years, irrespective of their immunisation, should be brought to the booth for the polio vaccine.

Myth: If a child is suffering from minor ailments, like cold, fever, stomach upset etc, he/she cannot be given the Oral Polio Vaccine.

Reality: Children suffering from minor ailments can be given OPV. It is safe.

Myth: OPV should be given on an empty stomach

Reality: Children can be safely administered OPV on a full stomach.

Myth: Children may develop fever after OPV.

Reality: There are no side effects of OPV.