Assam prepares for National Immunisation Day on June 28

More than a decade after India was declared polio-free, the country continues to undertake intensive immunisation efforts to protect children from the risk of polio virus transmission and importation. National Immunisation Day (NID) or often referred to as Polio Sunday, remains a key public health initiative to ensure that every child aged zero to five years receives protection through the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in addition to the polio vaccine doses administered during the routine immunisation schedule. As part of the nationwide Pulse Polio Programme this year, the State of Assam, along with the rest of the country, will also observe the National Immunisation Day (NID) on June 28, with a target of vaccinating approximately 45 lakh children within the age group of zero to five across all the districts. Appealing to the people of Assam, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Department, Ashok Singhal, has urged all parents to protect their child by giving them two drops of the polio vaccine during the campaign days. The Minister informed that the health department, with active participation of the district commissioners, has made elaborate arrangements in the districts for the successful conduct of the campaign and appealed to all sections of the society to join hands and ensure that every child of zero to five years of age in their localities receives the vaccine for ensuring the continued victory over polio for the state and the country.