What is Polio?
Polio, also known as Poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children. It is caused by the poliovirus, which spreads mainly through contaminated food and water. The virus multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis or even death.
What Are Polio Drops?
Polio drops refer to the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which contains a weakened form of the poliovirus. When administered, it helps the body develop immunity against the disease without causing illness.
The drops are painless, safe, and highly effective in preventing polio. They are given to infants and children during regular immunization schedules and special nationwide campaigns like Pulse Polio Program in India.
Types of Polio Vaccine
- 1. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Given as drops by mouth. It provides intestinal immunity and helps stop person-to-person transmission of wild poliovirus.
- 2. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Given as an injection. It contains killed virus particles and provides systemic immunity.
Both vaccines are used together to provide complete protection from polio.
Polio Drops Age Chart
Polio drops are administered as per the National Immunization Schedule in India:
| Age of Child | Type of Vaccine | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| At birth | Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0) | 2 drops |
| 6 weeks | OPV-1 + IPV-1 | 2 drops + injection |
| 10 weeks | OPV-2 + IPV-2 | 2 drops + injection |
| 14 weeks | OPV-3 + IPV-3 | 2 drops + injection |
| Booster (16–24 months) | OPV Booster + IPV Booster | 2 drops + injection |
| Pulse Polio Days | OPV during national campaign | 2 drops |
Note: Even if your child has received all routine doses, always participate in Pulse Polio drives.
Why Polio Vaccination is Important
Polio can cause irreversible paralysis within hours. The disease can spread silently through communities, especially where sanitation is poor. Vaccination is the only way to protect every child.
Benefits of Polio Drops:
- Prevents life-long disability
- Protects community through herd immunity
- Helps maintain global eradication efforts
- Safe and cost-effective
Difference Between Polio and Poliosis
Many people confuse Polio with Poliosis, but they are entirely different:
- Polio is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis.
- Poliosis is a harmless condition where a patch of hair turns white or gray due to lack of melanin pigment. It can appear on the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes and is not caused by a virus.
Poliosis has no connection to polio disease or the polio vaccine.
World Polio Day - 24th October
World Polio Day is observed every year on 24th October to honor the birthday of Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first successful polio vaccine.
The day raises global awareness about the importance of vaccination and celebrates the progress made toward eradicating polio.
Theme of World Polio Day 2025: “Keep Polio Zero - Vaccinate Every Child.”
Key Messages:
- “Two drops of life” can protect your child from paralysis.
- Every child, every time - no one is safe until everyone is vaccinated.
- Support community health workers who make polio campaigns successful.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a vital role in eradicating polio. You can help by:
- Ensuring your child receives all routine immunizations on time.
- Participating in every Pulse Polio Campaign - even if your child is fully vaccinated.
- Maintaining hygiene and clean drinking water to prevent infection.
- Encouraging others in your community to vaccinate their children.
History of Polio Outbreaks Worldwide
Polio, or poliomyelitis, has been known for thousands of years - ancient Egyptian carvings even show people with paralyzed limbs resembling modern cases of polio. However, the disease emerged as a major public health crisis only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The First Recorded Outbreaks
The first recognized outbreak of polio occurred in 1887 in Sweden, followed by another in Vermont, USA, in 1894.
In 1916, a massive outbreak in New York City infected more than 27,000 people, killing over 6,000 - mostly children. This event made polio one of the most feared diseases in the world.
📈 Global Epidemics in the 20th Century
During the 1940s and 1950s, polio epidemics peaked globally. Thousands of children were left paralyzed every year in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Hospitals were filled with patients dependent on “iron lungs,” mechanical ventilators that helped them breathe after paralysis of respiratory muscles.
💉 The Vaccine Revolution
In 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk developed the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which became a global breakthrough.
Later, in 1961, Dr. Albert Sabin introduced the oral polio vaccine (OPV), known as “polio drops,” which could be easily administered to children and helped control mass outbreaks.
These vaccines turned the tide against polio and saved millions of lives.
🌍 The Global Eradication Drive
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988.
At that time, over 350,000 cases were reported yearly in 125 countries.
Massive immunization campaigns, like Pulse Polio in India, reduced cases dramatically.
🇮🇳 India’s Success Story
India recorded its last case of wild polio in 2011, and in 2014, the World Health Organization officially declared India polio-free.
This achievement was the result of relentless vaccination drives and public awareness led by the slogan: “Do Boond Zindagi Ki” (Two Drops of Life).
Remaining Challenges
As of today, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries - Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Global health organizations continue surveillance and vaccination to prevent resurgence, especially in regions affected by war, migration, or vaccine misinformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What is the minimum age for polio drops?
- Polio drops can be given immediately after birth (OPV-0 dose).
- 2. Can adults take polio drops?
- Adults generally do not require polio drops unless traveling to high-risk areas or during outbreaks.
- 3. Are there side effects of polio drops?
- Polio drops are extremely safe. Rarely, mild fever or loose stools may occur.
- 4. What if I miss a dose?
- Visit your nearest health center to continue the schedule. Never restart; simply resume.
More: Malaria Vaccine: RTS,S, R21 and AdFalciVax