Jammu and Kashmir to Administer Polio Drops to Over 19 Lakh Children Today
Srinagar, December 21: STC Editors Desk:
Jammu and Kashmir today launched the National Immunization Day (Pulse Polio Campaign) 2025, under which over 19 lakh children aged 0 to 5 years will be administered Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) across the Union Territory.
According to the Director Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization J&K, Dr Poonam Sethi, a total of 19,85,736 children have been targeted for immunization during the campaign. The drive will continue with house-to-house vaccination activities till December 23 to ensure that no child is left out.
To ensure smooth implementation, the Health Department has set up 10,993 vaccination booths and 248 transit points across Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, 518 mobile teams have been deployed to reach children in remote and underserved areas.
Dr Sethi said that all necessary arrangements have been put in place, including adequate vaccine supply, trained staff, and logistical support.
Earlier, a media sensitisation meeting was held at Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, to mobilise media support and spread awareness about the importance of polio vaccination. The media fraternity was urged to widely disseminate the message so that every eligible child receives the vaccine.
State Immunization Officer, Dr Shahid Hussain, assured that sufficient stocks of OPV are available and that the cold chain system is fully functional and closely monitored to maintain vaccine potency throughout the campaign.
The Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization Department reiterated its commitment to protecting every child from polio and appealed to parents and caregivers to cooperate fully to help sustain the goal of a polio-free Jammu and Kashmir.
