Pulse Polio Campaign: Safeguarding India’s Polio-Free Future.

Why mass immunisation remains essential despite eradication.

India proudly achieved polio-free status in March 2014, a milestone certified by the World Health Organisation after three consecutive years with no cases. Yet, the country continues to run its nationwide Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign, most recently from June 28 to June 30, 2026, with some states extending until July 1. This drive, which began in 1995, ensures that every child under five receives two drops of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), either at booths or through door-to-door outreach.

The persistence of this campaign highlights an important truth: polio-free does not mean risk-free. Wild poliovirus remains endemic in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. With porous borders and frequent travel, the possibility of re-importation is real. A single imported case could spark an outbreak in communities where immunity has weakened. Mass immunisation acts as a protective wall, preventing the virus from regaining a foothold.

Another critical factor is herd immunity. India welcomes millions of newborns each year, all of whom require immediate protection. To stop transmission, more than 90–95% of the population must remain immune. The Pulse Polio drive ensures that this threshold is consistently met, creating a collective shield against the disease.

India’s vaccination strategy combines OPV with the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). OPV, administered orally, builds strong intestinal immunity, which is vital for halting community spread. IPV, introduced into routine schedules in 2015, provides direct protection against bloodstream infections, strengthening the overall defence system. Together, they form a dual safeguard against resurgence.

Behind the scenes, India has invested heavily in infrastructure to keep vaccines effective. Systems like the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) and the National Cold Chain Training Centre (NCCTE) monitor storage and distribution, ensuring doses remain potent until they reach children.

Eligibility guidelines are straightforward: every child from birth to five years must receive the drops, regardless of prior vaccination. Even newborns less than a day old are included. Mild illnesses such as fever, cough, or diarrhoea are not barriersvaccination remains safe and necessary.

The Pulse Polio Campaign is more than a routine exercise; it is a safeguard for the future. By maintaining high coverage and vigilance, India ensures that its hard-won polio-free status is preserved for generations to come.