Polio (or poliomyelitis) is a disease that can cause lameness among children. It can cripple a child for life. According to WHO, one out of every 200 cases, polio virus passes to the spinal cord where it can destroy the nerve cells which activate the muscles. This damage is irreversible. The nerve cells cannot be replaced, the muscles affected no longer function and the outcome is life-long paralysis. This disease mainly affects children under three but older children can catch it too. Adult cases are rare.There is no cure to this disease. But it can be prevented and immunization is at present the most effective method of prevention of the disease. Vaccine provides effective immunity against all the three types of polio virus. This is highly safe and effective. The WHO programme on immunization and National Immunization Programme in India recommended a primary course of three doses of Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) at one month interval commencing the first dose from the six weeks of infant’s birth; 1st dose in 6 weeks, 2nd dose in 10 weeks and 3rd dose within 14 weeks.
