What Are Polio Drops?
The primary objective of Polio Drops 2025 is to protect children from poliomyelitis—a viral infection that damages the spinal cord and can lead to permanent paralysis.
“Polio drops” actually refer to the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)—two drops administered orally. This helps eliminate the virus in the child’s intestines, making them immune to infection.
OPV is the easiest and most affordable vaccine to administer, which is why countries like India use it widely. Whenever a Pulse Polio campaign is held, every child—regardless of whether they have received the previous dose—is given two drops for additional protection.
Difference Between OPV and IPV
Two types of vaccines are used to prevent polio—OPV (oral polio vaccine) and IPV (inactivated polio vaccine).
| Vaccine Type | Route | Contains | Main Benefit |
| OPV (Oral) | By mouth (2 drops) | Live but weakened virus | Stops virus transmission in gut |
| IPV (Injection) | Through injection | Killed virus | Gives strong body-wide immunity |
OPV is mostly given in developing countries where the virus is still a threat, because it increases herd immunity.
IPV is used in developed countries (e.g., USA, UK, Saudi Arabia) where polio has been eradicated because IPV is safe and cannot revert to a live form.
WHO recommends that a combination of both be used depending on the level of risk—at which point complete immunity develops.
Pulse Polio 2025 Dates & Schedule
Pulse polio vaccination drives are held 2 or 3 times every year in India—also known as “National Immunization Day (NID).”
The government has also announced some tentative phases in 2025:
- First Round: January 2025 (nationwide campaign, usually around January 28-30)
- Second Round: April–May 2025 (State-level round in high-risk zones)
- Third Round: October 12, 2025 (as confirmed by several districts; booths will be open from 8 AM to 5 PM).
The Pulse Polio campaign involves door-to-door vaccination. Health workers visit every home and administer two drops of polio vaccine to children under the age of five. Booths are also set up at railway stations, bus stands, hospitals, Anganwadi centers, and schools.
Always confirm the exact date and booth location with your city health department or Anganwadi center.
Polio Drops Age Limit and Eligibility
Polio drops are primarily for children aged 0 to 5 years. This age group is the most vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Routine immunization schedule (as per WHO & Indian Ministry of Health):
- 1st Dose—at Birth
- 2nd Dose—at 6 weeks (1.5 months)
- 3rd Dose—at 10 weeks
- 4th Dose—at 14 weeks
- Booster—at 15–18 months
- Final Booster : at 4–6 years
If a dose is missed, you can ask your doctor for a “catch-up schedule.” Children already vaccinated in the Pulse Polio campaign also receive the drops—this is an extra layer of protection.
Polio Vaccine Schedule (India / Global / Saudi Arabia etc.)
India:
OPV (oral polio drops) remains the primary vaccine in India. Every child receives the vaccine free of charge at government centers. In addition to the regular doses, pulse polio drives are also conducted.
Saudi Arabia:
In Saudi Arabia, IPV (injection) is the primary vaccine.
Schedule: A booster at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 4-6 years.
International travelers are required to have a polio certificate if they are arriving from polio-affected countries.
United States & Europe:
Only IPV is given (no oral drops).
4 doses: 2, 4, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
Global Update:
The WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative projects that by 2025, wild poliovirus will remain only in Pakistan and Afghanistan worldwide.
The virus has been eradicated in all other countries, but some cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) continue to be reported—vaccination for this is still mandatory.
How to Find Polio Drops Near You
If you’re wondering where to find “polio drops near me,” follow these simple steps:
- Local Health Center: Visit your nearest Primary Health Center (PHC) or government hospital.
- Anganwadi/Municipal Booth: A booth is set up in every colony on Pulse Polio Day.
- Pediatric Clinic: Private pediatricians also administer routine IPV and OPV vaccines.
- Official Portal: Check the website of your state or country’s Ministry of Health—the “Pulse Polio 2025” notice is updated regularly.
- For Travelers: International airports also have vaccination booths (for polio certificates).
Why Polio Vaccination Is Still Important in 2025
You might be wondering, “Polio was eradicated, so why vaccinate?”
This misconception could lead to a return of polio. The virus continues to circulate in some regions, and imported cases can reappear anywhere if vaccination rates fall.
By 2025, WHO and UNICEF have warned that outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus could occur in areas with low coverage. Therefore, unless every child in the world is vaccinated, polio-free status is at risk.
Vaccination not only protects your child but also helps the community achieve herd immunity.
Government Initiatives and Awareness Drives
- India: The “Do Boond Zindagi Ki” campaign still runs on TV, radio, and social media.
- Saudi Arabia & Gulf countries: Mandatory polio vaccination proof for passengers at the time of entry and exit.
- Pakistan & Afghanistan: Door-to-door campaigns take place at regular intervals under the WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
- Global Level: Polio cases have been reduced by 99% since 1988, thanks to the efforts of Rotary International, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNICEF.
The awareness campaign aims to remind people, “Two drops of life for every child.”
FAQs on Polio Drops 2025
1. When are polio drops given?
In every Pulse Polio round (January, May, and October) and according to the routine immunization schedule.
2. Should already vaccinated children also get the drops?
Yes, it should be given in every round for added protection.
3. Do adults need polio drops?
to those where travel is required” with “only for adults traveling to polio-affected countries.
4. Are polio drops available for free?
Yes, it is completely free in government hospitals and booths.
5. Which is better, Upav or Parva?
Both are important. OPV prevents virus transmission, and IPV provides systemic immunity. The combination is the best.
6. Where in the world is polio still prevalent?
Only Pakistan and Afghanistan have active wild poliovirus cases (as of 2025).
Conclusion: Protect Every Child
Polio Drops 2025 is a reminder that we all should get our children vaccinated on time.
The world is close to becoming polio-free, but vigilance is still necessary.
Every Pulse Polio Day, remember — just two drops can change a life.
“The polio virus won’t stop until we do.”
Also Read: COVID Vaccine 2025: FDA Approves New Fall Vaccines
