All about The Polio Vaccine Menace
What is the Background of Type 2 Polio Virus Strain?
Polio vaccines were prepared using three poliovirus strains: types 1, 2 and 3, in the past. However, August 2016 onwards, it was decided by the Government of India to withdraw the type 2 strain based on its epidemiological significance.
So, a large number of children received the same strain that had been used under the National Immunization Program for long in the past, before the Government decided to withdraw it.
What Can We Do in This Regard?
While Government Authorities are investigating and digging deep into this issue, what we must know as parents? Here is what experts have to say:
First and foremost, there is no need to panic and worry! This vaccine (the one with type 2 strain of poliovirus) had been used for mass immunization program in our country for many years until it was withdrawn in 2016. Also, chances of being infected by poliovirus are almost close to negligible as the vaccine carries the virus in the dormant state which can only help us build immunity against polio.
However, we always want to be 110% sure when it comes to our kids’ health and safety! That said, we should practice some extra precautionary measures.