Chandigarh is gearing up for a crucial public health initiative this weekend. The Union Territory's health department will roll out the National Immunization Day, widely known as the Pulse Polio campaign, on Sunday, December 21. This drive is being conducted following directives from the central government with a clear mission: to protect every young child from the poliovirus.
Massive On-Ground Deployment for Complete Coverage
To ensure no child is missed, the administration has planned an extensive network across the city. A total of 471 vaccination booths will be set up throughout Chandigarh. This robust infrastructure is designed to provide easy access to families in all neighborhoods.
The execution of this large-scale campaign will be handled by a small army of dedicated workers. 1,059 teams comprising vaccinators and volunteers have been mobilized and will be active on the ground for three consecutive days. For streamlined supervision, the UT has been segmented into four zones, each monitored by 59 designated sector supervisors.
Focus on the Youngest: The Target Demographic
The campaign has a singular, vital target group. All children from the age of 0 to 5 years are to be administered two drops of the bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV). Parents and guardians are urged to bring their young children to the nearest booth to receive this vital protection, which is a cornerstone of India's successful polio eradication journey.
Official Inauguration and Commitment
The campaign will be formally inaugurated by the Health Secretary of the Chandigarh Administration. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Model Immunization Centre located within the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16. This official launch underscores the administration's commitment to public health and the importance of collective action in disease prevention.
Such intensive pulse polio campaigns are critical for maintaining India's hard-earned polio-free status, certified by the World Health Organization in 2014. They act as a safety net, ensuring high population immunity against the virus and guarding against any potential importation or resurgence. The success of this drive in Chandigarh hinges on widespread community participation and awareness.
