Health Department Intensifies Preparations for Pulse Polio Campaign; Door-to-Door Immunization Drive to Cover Every Child
Bhagalpur | Report by Gautam Vedpani
The Health Department has intensified preparations across Bhagalpur district for the upcoming Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign to protect children from the crippling disease of polio. In coordination with the district administration, comprehensive arrangements are being made to ensure the successful implementation of the campaign. The primary objective is to administer the oral polio vaccine (two drops) to every child below the age of five years.
Health officials have emphasized that reaching every eligible child is essential to maintaining a polio-free status. Special vaccination booths will be established across urban and rural areas, including all blocks and panchayats. Following the booth-based campaign, healthcare workers will conduct door-to-door visits to administer the vaccine to children who may have missed the initial round.
Extensive Preparations Across the District
The Health Department has issued detailed guidelines to all Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Sub-Health Centres to ensure the smooth conduct of the campaign.
Officials stated that an adequate supply of the oral polio vaccine has been arranged throughout the district. The cold-chain system has also been strengthened to maintain the quality and effectiveness of the vaccines until they reach beneficiaries.
Vaccination Booths to Be Set Up
On the first day of the campaign, special Pulse Polio booths will be established at government hospitals, health centres, Anganwadi centres, schools, and other public places across the district.
Trained healthcare workers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Anganwadi workers will administer two drops of the oral polio vaccine to every child below five years of age.
Door-to-Door Follow-Up Campaign
After the booth-based vaccination drive, health workers will visit households to identify children who could not receive the vaccine on the first day.
The objective of the follow-up campaign is to ensure that no eligible child is left out of the immunization programme.
Special Teams Constituted
To ensure the success of the campaign, the district administration has deployed hundreds of healthcare workers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and volunteers.
Each team has been assigned specific areas and responsibilities. Officials have instructed all teams to reach their designated locations on time and carry out the immunization programme efficiently.
Transit Teams at Railway Stations and Bus Terminals
The Health Department has also planned to vaccinate children who may be traveling during the campaign.
Special transit vaccination teams will be deployed at railway stations, bus terminals, major intersections, and other crowded public locations to administer the oral polio vaccine to children passing through the district.
Appeal to Parents
The district health administration has appealed to all parents and guardians to ensure that every child below the age of five receives the oral polio vaccine.
Officials stressed that even healthy children should receive polio drops during every campaign, as repeated doses strengthen immunity against the disease.
Community Participation Essential
Health experts stated that eliminating polio requires active participation from the entire community, not just government agencies.
Parents, teachers, community leaders, volunteers, and local representatives have been urged to support the campaign by spreading awareness about the importance of timely vaccination.
Advisory Against Rumors
The Health Department has urged residents not to pay attention to misinformation or rumors regarding the oral polio vaccine.
Medical experts emphasized that the vaccine is safe, scientifically tested, and highly effective in protecting children from polio. They encouraged parents to ensure their children receive every scheduled dose.
Continuous Monitoring During the Campaign
Senior health officials will closely monitor the campaign at both district and block levels. Daily progress reports will be reviewed, and additional teams will be deployed in areas where vaccination coverage is found to be inadequate.
Officials said continuous supervision and regular evaluation will help ensure the campaign achieves complete coverage.
The Health Department has made comprehensive preparations for the upcoming Pulse Polio Campaign in Bhagalpur district. Through vaccination booths, door-to-door visits, transit teams, and continuous monitoring, authorities aim to ensure that every child below five years of age receives the oral polio vaccine. The district administration has appealed to parents and the public to actively participate in the campaign and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated. Officials believe that strong community participation and an efficient healthcare system are essential to sustaining a polio-free society.
