Govt decides to give polio vaccine to kids up to 10-year-old

The authorities have taken serious notice against families declining the provision polio drops for their children

RAWALPINDI: The government has decided to administer polio vaccinations to children up to 10 years of age in its next campaign.

The previous age limit for administration of polio drops was five years. The decision has been taken in light of a polio case that surfaced last week, after which authorities decided to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against polio.

Polio drops will be administered to all children coming in from Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and Afghanistan on a priority basis. The polio workers will also go to private and government schools to administer the polio fighting vaccine.

Moreover, the district campaign against measles, small pox, whooping coughs and tetanus will continue on till February 16. The vaccination teams have also been directed to administer polio drops during the ongoing campaign.

The authorities have also taken serious notice against families declining the provision polio drops for their children. Authorities have advised the workers to persuade such families through all possible means. If unsuccessful, the authorities may take serious against parents who decline the vaccine for their children.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2019.