Sri Vijaya Puram, June 23: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration will conduct the National Immunization Day (NID) on June 28 to vaccinate all children aged below five years against polio, as health authorities intensify efforts to sustain India’s polio-free status and prevent any resurgence of the disease.
The immunization campaign will administer two drops of bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to eligible children across the islands through a network of vaccination booths, followed by house-to-house visits over the subsequent two days to identify and immunize children who may have missed the initial round.
Health officials said the campaign follows recommendations of the India Expert Advisory Group (IEGA) and forms part of the country’s continued commitment to ensuring that no child suffers from the crippling effects of polio. India has remained free from wild polio cases since January 2011, while the World Health Organization certified the South-East Asia Region, including India, as polio-free in March 2014.
Addressing a media briefing, Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Health) and State Immunization Officer, emphasized the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage to safeguard public health and preserve the gains achieved through decades of vaccination efforts.
According to health authorities, approximately 19,343 children are expected to receive polio drops during the immunization round. To achieve this target, 447 vaccination booths have been established across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Special transit booths have also been set up at airports, seaports and other key transit locations to ensure no eligible child is left uncovered.
Officials stated that the campaign will extend beyond urban centres and villages, covering tourists travelling with young children as well as families residing in remote and forest areas. The administration has set a target of achieving 100 per cent immunization coverage among eligible children during the drive.
Parents and guardians have been urged to visit their nearest polio booth with children below five years of age on June 28 and ensure they receive the vaccine. Health teams will subsequently conduct door-to-door verification and vaccination activities to reach children who may not attend the booths on the scheduled day.
Apart from the National Immunization Day campaign, health authorities also announced the inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the routine immunization programme, marking a significant development in adolescent healthcare.
The HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer, is now available for girls upon attaining 14 years of age. Health officials have encouraged parents and guardians to contact their nearest health centres to ensure eligible adolescent girls receive the vaccine as part of routine healthcare services.
The administration said both initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare, improve immunization coverage and protect children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
