The programme was initially meant for children under the age of three years. Two additional doses of polio vaccine were given to these children, in the winter months.

Later on, this programme was expanded to include children up to the age of five years. Also, the number of polio doses was increased to a minimum of four per year.

However, if you are not clear on what exactly is this programme is here are some common facts you need to know:

1) My child has taken all the vaccines with my doctor. Do I still need to go for the pulse polio vaccine drive?

The pulse polio drive is not the regular polio doses administered to each and every child, either by a private doctor, or by a Government or Municipal dispensary.

Rather, it is in addition to these doses, and it is recommended that each and every child take these vaccines.

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2) Will an excess of polio doses have any side-effects for my child?

No. It has been scientifically documented that taking extra oral polio doses have no side effects. In certain South American countries like Brazil, by successfully implementing this programme, they have managed to almost eradicate the disease.

Even if your child were to take additional 10 or 20 doses, she will not manifest with any side-effects.

Any symptoms noticed after giving the vaccine should be brought to the notice of your doctor, though it is most likely that these symptoms are coincidental or indicative of some other disease process, and not due to the vaccine.

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3) My child has just taken her polio vaccine a day ago. Should I still take her for the pulse polio vaccinations?

Yes, the pulse polio programme clearly specifies that irrespective of when you have administered your regular doses of polio to your child, you have to go and take the vaccine on the dates specified by the Government.

4) I have missed the pulse polio dose that was held recently. What should I do?

Since these are additional doses, there is no danger if you miss a dose or two.

Normally, Government workers have a complete list of all the children in your area, and they come home within the next few days, to administer the vaccine.

Or you could approach your nearest Government health post, and take the vaccine. You could also take it from your family doctor or Paediatrician.