Injectable polio vaccine launched

J P Nadda announces India Launch of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)

 Ques: How many countries of the world have been started Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) including India?

(a) 120

(b) 125

(c) 130

(d) 126

Ans: (d)

Related facts:

  • November 30, 2015 Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launched the injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in India as part of its commitment to the “Global Polio Endgame Strategy“.
  • IPV and OPV together will further strengthen children’s immune system and provide double protection against polio.
  • IPV injection will be given to children below one year of age along with the third dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at the routine immunization sessions free of cost.
  • The first phase this vaccine will be introduced in six states, viz Assam, Gujarat, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Introduction of IPV in routine immunization is as per recommendation made in World Health Assembly in May, 2015 and endorsed by Global Polio Endgame Strategy.
  • IPV will roll-out to 126 countries which are only using OPV in the National program.
  • It will be the largest and fastest globally-coordinated vaccine introduction project in history.

Reference:

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=132021

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/New-injectible-inactivated-polio-vaccine-launched-in-India/articleshow/49994567.cms

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/injectable-polio-vaccine-launched/article7933374.ece