Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which mainly affects children under the age of 5. The virus can cause lifelong paralysis and, in severe cases, can be fatal.
Children can contract polio if they are not fully vaccinated. The virus spreads through contaminated hands, food, or water, often due to poor hand hygiene.
Children aged 0-5 who are not fully vaccinated are at the highest risk of contracting polio.
No, there is no cure for polio. However, it can be prevented through multiple doses of polio vaccines.
Symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headaches, vomiting, and weakness or paralysis in the limbs (arms and legs).
Polio spreads through contact with the stool of an infected person, usually due to poor hygiene practices such as not washing hands properly or consuming contaminated food and water.
Polio can be prevented by vaccinating children at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks at health facilities. Additionally, children should be vaccinated during Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) campaigns.
Yes, the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and has no side effects. It is important to administer multiple doses to ensure a child’s immunity is strong enough to protect them against polio.
Yes, it is safe. Each additional dose further strengthens a child's immunity. Children must receive multiple doses for full protection.
If you notice sudden weakness or paralysis in a child’s limbs, report the case immediately to the nearest health facility or call 117. Early detection is key to preventing the spread of polio.
During a campaign, vaccinators will visit homes and administer the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), consisting of two drops in the mouth. All children under 5, including those who are sick or sleeping, should be vaccinated.
Yes, children should still receive the vaccine during SIA campaigns, even if they’ve completed their routine vaccinations. These additional doses do not replace routine immunization but provide extra protection.
If your child is traveling, they should be vaccinated at their destination or at cross-border entry points to ensure they are protected.
Yes, all polio vaccinations for children under 5 years of age are free of charge, including during SIA campaigns.
Verifying information from trusted sources and participating in vaccination campaigns is important to protect your child’s health. Consult a trusted health worker or community leader for accurate information if you have concerns or encounter rumors. The polio vaccine has been proven to be safe and is the best way to protect children from this dangerous disease.
For more information, contact your nearest health facility or follow our social media for updates on polio vaccination campaigns.
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