Pulse polio immunization in India:
For complete eradication of polio by 2000 AD, Pulse Polio Immunization Programme is implemented by Govt. of India with the help of State Governments and voluntary organizations all over the country simultaneously on 9 December 1995 and 20 January, 1996.
OPV (Oral Polio Vaccination) doses are given to children of the age groups of (0-3) years on these days throughout the country. The term ‘pulse’ has been used to describe this sudden, simultaneous, mass administration of OPV on a single day to all children 0-3 years of age.
The main objective of this mass immunization programme is to prevent the transmission of wild polio viruses among children of (0-3) years of age group so that the future generation of children will be free of the risk of poliomyelitis. Children who have been previously immunized and those who may be ill must also get pulse polio immunization.