Polio Vaccine in India: Schedule, Types, Side Effects and Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide) Polio, a highly infectious viral disease that once paralyzed thousands of children in India, was officially eradicated in 2014 thanks to relentless vaccination efforts. However, the fight against polio isn’t over. With neighboring countries still reporting cases and the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV), India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) continues to prioritize polio vaccination. This comprehensive guide covers polio vaccine schedules in India, types of vaccines available, side effects, and answers to common concerns. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or health worker, this blog will equip you with actionable, evidence-based information. 1. What is Polio? Polio (poliomyelitis) is caused by the poliovirus, which attacks the nervous system and can lead to irreversible paralysis. It spreads through: Contaminated food/water (fecal-oral route). Close contact with an infected person. Symptoms in Children/Adults: Fever, fatigue, and sore throat (mild cases). Stiff neck, muscle weakness, and paralysis (severe cases). India’s Polio-Free Status India was declared polio-free in 2014 after its last reported case in 2011. This success is attributed to the Pulse Polio Programme, which administered over 1 billion vaccine doses annually during national immunization days. 2. Polio Vaccines Used in India Two types of polio vaccines are used globally, and India’s UIP employs both: A. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Composition: Contains weakened live poliovirus (types 1, 2, and 3). Administration: 2 drops orally. Advantages:         Low cost and easy to administer.        Provides gut immunity, reducing community transmission Challenges : Rare risk of Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Polio (VAPP) or VDPV (1 in 2.7 million doses). B. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) Composition: Uses killed poliovirus (injected into the muscle). Administration: Intramuscular shot (thigh/arm). Advantages: Zero risk of VAPP/VDPV. Ideal for immunocompromised children. Challenges : Higher cost and requires trained personnel. Why India Uses Both Vaccines OPV for mass campaigns (stops transmission). IPV as a booster (enhances individual immunity). 3. Polio Vaccine Schedule in India (2024) India’s UIP follows this age-wise schedule for polio vaccination: Vaccine Dose Age OPV (Oral) Birth dose At birth OPV (Oral) Primary doses 6, 10, 14 weeks IPV (Injected) Booster dose 6 months OPV (Oral) Booster during campaigns 5 years (if required) Key Notes: OPV Birth Dose: Given within 15 days of delivery, even if the baby is preterm. IPV Introduction: Added to India’s UIP in 2015 to phase out OPV’s type 2 strain (linked to VDPV). National Immunization Days (NIDs): All children under 5 receive OPV drops during these government-led campaigns. 4. Side Effects of Polio Vaccines Most children experience no side effects, but mild reactions may include: OPV: Low-grade fever, mild diarrhea, or fussiness. IPV: Soreness/swelling at the injection site, fatigue. Rare but Serious Reactions: OPV: Vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP) in 1 in 2.7 million doses. IPV: Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) in 1 in 1 million doses. When to Consult a Doctor? High fever (over 102°F). Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face. Paralysis or seizures (extremely rare). 5. Addressing Myths and Concerns Myth 1: “The Polio Vaccine Causes Polio.” Fact: Only OPV carries a negligible risk of VAPP (1 in 2.7 million). IPV has zero risk as it uses inactivated virus. Myth 2: “Polio is Eradicated, So Vaccination Isn’t Needed.” Fact: Until global eradication, unvaccinated children risk infection from imported cases or VDPV. Myth 3: “Vaccines Contain Harmful Chemicals.” Fact: OPV/IPV ingredients (e.g., stabilizers) are FDA-approved and safe in微量 doses. FAQ Section 1. Can adults get the polio vaccine?Yes, if traveling to polio-affected regions (e.g., Afghanistan, Pakistan). 2. Is the vaccine mandatory in India?No, but recommended for all children under UIP. 3. Can OPV be given to a sick child?Yes, unless they have severe vomiting/diarrhea. 6. Where to Get Vaccinated? Free Options: Government hospitals, Anganwadi centers, and polio booths during NIDs. Paid Options: Private clinics (IPV costs ₹300–500 per dose). Top Cities for Polio Vaccination in India Polio vaccination is widely accessible across India, thanks to the government’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and private healthcare providers. Below is a city-wise breakdown of where you can get your child vaccinated: 1. Delhi Free Vaccination Centers: AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences): Offers OPV and IPV under UIP. Safdarjung Hospital: Provides polio drops during National Immunization Days (NIDs). Delhi Government Hospitals: All primary health centers (PHCs) and community health centers (CHCs) offer free polio vaccines. Paid Vaccination Centers: Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket: IPV available for ₹400–500 per dose. Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj: Offers both OPV and IPV. 2. Mumbai Free Vaccination Centers: KEM Hospital: A leading government hospital offering free polio vaccines. BMC Health Posts: Over 200 health posts across Mumbai provide OPV during NIDs. JJ Hospital: Offers free IPV under UIP. Paid Vaccination Centers: Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital: IPV available for ₹450–600 per dose. Lilavati Hospital: Provides both OPV and IPV. 3. Bangalore Free Vaccination Centers: Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health: Offers free OPV and IPV. Government General Hospitals: All PHCs and CHCs provide polio vaccines. Paid Vaccination Centers: Manipal Hospitals: IPV available for ₹500–600 per dose. Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road: Offers both OPV and IPV. 4. Chennai Free Vaccination Centers: Institute of Child Health: A major government center for polio vaccination. Government Stanley Medical College Hospital: Provides free OPV and IPV. Paid Vaccination Centers: Apollo Children’s Hospital: IPV available for ₹400–550 per dose. Fortis Malar Hospital: Offers both OPV and IPV. 5. Hyderabad Free Vaccination Centers: Gandhi Hospital: Offers free OPV and IPV under UIP. Government Maternity Hospitals: All PHCs provide polio vaccines. Paid Vaccination Centers: Yashoda Hospitals: IPV available for ₹450–600 per dose. Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills: Offers both OPV and IPV. 6. Kolkata Free Vaccination Centers: SSKM Hospital: Provides free OPV and IPV. Calcutta Medical College: Offers polio vaccines under UIP. Paid Vaccination Centers: AMRI Hospitals: IPV available for ₹400–550 per dose. Fortis Hospital, Anandapur: Offers both OPV and IPV. 7. Pune Free Vaccination Centers: Sassoon General Hospital: Offers free OPV and IPV. Government District Hospitals: All PHCs provide polio vaccines. Paid Vaccination Centers: Ruby Hall Clinic: IPV available for ₹450–600 per