Hey folks, it’s that time of year again – India’s cranking up its Pulse Polio drive, and as of October 14, 2025, things are in full swing. I’ve been keeping tabs on the health updates and local reports, and it’s heartening to see how this program just doesn’t quit, even though we’ve been officially polio-free since 2014. Drawing from the latest from the Ministry of Health and state drives, this year’s campaign is all about nipping any potential comeback in the bud, especially with stray cases still popping up globally. If you’re a parent or just curious about public health wins, here’s the lowdown on what’s happening.
Why the big push now? Well, polio’s a sneaky virus – it spreads through contaminated water or food, and while India hasn’t seen a wild case since 2011, the world isn’t there yet. Places like Pakistan and Afghanistan are still dealing with outbreaks, and with travel and all, we can’t let our guard down. The Pulse Polio program, part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), amps up routine vaccinations with these mass campaigns to hit every kid under 5. It’s like a safety net – two drops of oral polio vaccine (OPV) can protect for life, boosting immunity and stopping the virus from mutating into something nastier. Plus, it’s free, easy, and done at booths in schools, airports, train stations – you name it.
This round kicked off on October 12, with states like Kerala aiming for over 21 lakh kids, Punjab targeting 16 lakh across 13 districts, and Telangana focusing on six high-risk areas. In places like Nagaland’s Noklak district, they’re doing house-to-house visits on the 13th and 14th to catch any stragglers. Nationwide, it’s expected to cover tens of millions, building on the UIP’s routine shots that already reach about 27 million newborns yearly. Health workers are out in force, and even spots like Delhi Airport are hosting pop-up booths – talk about convenient!
Experts say these drives are crucial because even one missed kid can spark a chain. Remember, the vaccine’s safe – side effects are rare, like mild fever or tummy upset, but nothing compared to the paralysis polio can cause. And with global efforts like the GPEI aiming for total eradication by 2027, India’s leading the charge. If you’re traveling or in a border area, double-check your family’s boosters.
To break it down, here’s a quick specs table on India’s 2025 polio vaccination schedule under the UIP – this is the routine stuff, with Pulse campaigns as extras:
| Age | Vaccine Type | Dose Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | OPV | Zero dose (OPV0) | Given in hospital or at home ASAP |
| 6 weeks | OPV + IPV | OPV1 + IPV1 | Part of pentavalent vaccine combo |
| 10 weeks | OPV + IPV | OPV2 + IPV2 | Builds on first dose for stronger immunity |
| 14 weeks | OPV + IPV | OPV3 + IPV3 | Completes primary series |
| 16-24 months | OPV | Booster 1 | Reinforces protection |
| 5 years | OPV | Booster 2 | School-entry boost for long-term coverage |
This schedule’s backed by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and WHO, and it’s free at government centers. If your kid’s due, head to the nearest booth today – the campaign wraps up soon in most spots.
All in all, it’s a testament to how far we’ve come – from thousands of cases in the ’80s to zero now. But it takes everyone pitching in. If you’ve got stories from the drive or questions, share below. Let’s keep India polio-free! Stay healthy.