Is Pulse Polio Drop Necessary if My Child Has Had All Vaccines? Yes — Here's Why

Dr. Sandip Gupta

A parent asks: is it necessary to give the pulse polio drop to our child? We have already given all the vaccines by age as per the card. The answer: Yes, it is necessary. The pulse polio drop is an additional dose that protects not only your child but all the children in the community — in a way it provides herd immunity. Why it still matters: Our country has been polio free since 2014. Even so, there are many countries in our neighbourhood where polio exists. That is why, whenever polio drops are given in our country under the National Pulse Polio Programme, it is necessary to give these drops to every child under five years of age. What it protects: This keeps our country polio free forever, and protects coming generations from the disability and paralysis that polio used to cause. The doctor's request: Do give these do boond zindagi ki to your children, and not only to your own children — also encourage others around you to give it to their children who are under 5 years of age. Relevant for: parents asking whether pulse polio drops are needed if the child has completed all routine vaccines; parents asking what the extra polio dose does and whether it is safe to repeat; parents wanting to understand herd immunity and why polio drops continue in India; parents asking the age limit for pulse polio drops; and parents wondering why polio vaccination continues even though India is polio free. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician about your child's vaccination schedule and any questions about additional doses.