More than 56 lakh children vaccinated for polio in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: The state govt has vaccinated 56.35 lakh children in a campaign that achieved a 98.18% vaccination rate in the state on Sunday. The camp was inaugurated by Health Minister Ma Subramanian at Kodambakkam, here.
Around 43,051 centres, including primary health centres, govt hospitals, anganwadi centres, nutrition centres, govt schools, were used as vaccination centres to administer vaccination drops to infants.Close to 3,000 govt vehicles have been used for this purpose, and more than two lakh anganwadi workers, teachers, and hospital workers were also roped in.
Chennai achieved a 95.26% vaccination rate, with several districts surpassing the 100% mark, including Vellore, Karur, Tuticorin, and Trichy. Other districts, such as Coimbatore, Madurai, Nagapattinam, Villupuram, Tirunelveli, and Chengalpet came close to achieving the targeted vaccination rate.
To ensure that no child is left behind, the state has also announced a door-to-door campaign. Many volunteers visited houses and apartment complexes in the city. Additionally, arrangements have been made to provide drops at transportation hubs.
The campaign is being done by the Department of Public Welfare along with UNICEF, WHO, and International Rotary Associations across the state.
Polio, a highly contagious viral disease, primarily affects young children and can lead to paralysis or death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is highly effective in preventing it.