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POLIO
VACCINE
Introduction :
You may be well aware of the disease of Polio ( Poliomyelitis) and
perhaps not much needs to be described. This is a viral disease and
affects the nerves. It transmits from person to person from the feco -
oral route ( i.e. polio viruses from an infected child pass out
through his stools and are transmitted from the stool contaminated
objects/foods/water etc to the next child.) The spread is unbelievably
rapid and tends to form clusters of affected children out of a single
infected child.
The commonest form you may be aware of is the Paralytic Poliomyelitis
in which the limbs ( mostly the legs) get affected and the child
develops a permanent leg lameness. The other , and less known forms
are the ones which spread further in the nervous system of the child
and may cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles causing death or
the form that involves the brain.
How to protect
my child from Polio ?
Once you have understood the background and the scientific
basis of the disease - you may naturally conclude that general hygiene
, safe water , safe food are the means in through which you can
protect your child. However, the reality is that given the
circumstances in our Country , the poor level of general hygiene
coupled with our inability in controlling a child’s activity leaves us
with no choice but protection from Polio Drops.
How many doses
of Polio Drops are needed ?
You need a minimum of 5 doses of Polio Drops and MUST take
the doses that are arranged in Pulse Polio Programme as additional
doses. Even if you have been adhering regularly to the standard polio
schedule - you need to take the Pulse drops. This Programme has been
designed for complete eradication of polio and the advantages shall be
shared by all of us.
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