The Andhra Pradesh Government has launched one of its biggest public health initiatives of the year by conducting the National Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme from June 28 to June 30, 2026.
The campaign aims to administer two life-saving drops of the bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV) to 49.20 lakh children below five years of age across all districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav has directed officials to ensure that no eligible child is left out, while the Health Department has mobilized over 1.31 lakh frontline workers to successfully execute the campaign.
Pulse Polio 2026 Campaign Dates
June 28, 2026 (Sunday)
Booth-based vaccination across Andhra Pradesh
Parents should bring every child aged 0–5 years to the nearest Pulse Polio booth.
June 29–30, 2026
House-to-house vaccination
Healthcare teams will visit homes to vaccinate children who missed the booth day.
Andhra Pradesh Pulse Polio Drive 2026: Key Numbers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Children | 49.20 lakh |
| Vaccine | Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV) |
| Vaccine Doses Available | 68,67,740 |
| Vaccination Booths | 29,873 |
| Mobile Teams | 1,757 |
| Transit Booths | 1,144 |
| Healthcare Personnel | 1.31 lakh+ |
Special Focus Areas
The Health Department has deployed special vaccination teams to reach:
Migrant labour colonies
Brick kiln workers
Construction sites
Tribal habitations
Remote villages
Nomadic communities
High-risk urban settlements
Transit vaccination booths have also been established at:
Bus stations
Railway stations
Major road junctions
Public transport hubs
Who Should Receive Pulse Polio Drops?
Every child:
From birth to 5 years of age
Whether previously vaccinated or not
Even if the child completed the routine immunisation schedule
Experts emphasize that every campaign dose strengthens community immunity and helps prevent the reintroduction of poliovirus.
Can My Child Receive the Vaccine if They Have a Cold?
Yes.
Children with:
Mild fever
Cold
Cough
Runny nose
can safely receive Pulse Polio drops.
Only children with serious medical conditions should be evaluated by a healthcare professional before vaccination.
Where Can Parents Get Free Polio Drops?
The vaccine is available free of cost at:
Government Hospitals
Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
Community Health Centres
Anganwadi Centres
Government Schools
Mobile Pulse Polio Booths
Transit Booths
Parents are advised not to wait for home visits if they can attend a booth on June 28.
Why Is the Pulse Polio Campaign Still Conducted?
Although India has remained polio-free for more than a decade, international travel and cross-border transmission continue to pose a risk. Mass immunisation campaigns help maintain herd immunity and ensure that every child remains protected.
Digital Monitoring for Zero Missed Children
The Andhra Pradesh Commissionerate of Health & Family Welfare is using real-time digital monitoring to track vaccination progress across districts. Officials will monitor booth coverage, mobile teams, and follow-up visits to ensure every eligible child receives the vaccine.
Parent Checklist
✔ Child is below 5 years
✔ Visit the nearest Pulse Polio booth on June 28
✔ Don't skip the dose even if routine vaccinations are complete
✔ Mild illness is not a reason to postpone vaccination
✔ If missed on June 28, expect a house visit on June 29–30
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pulse Polio free?
Yes. The vaccine is provided completely free by the Government of India and the Andhra Pradesh Government.
My child already received routine polio vaccination. Should they take Pulse Polio drops?
Yes. Every child under five should receive the campaign dose.
What vaccine is used?
The campaign uses the Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV).
Can newborn babies receive Pulse Polio drops?
Yes. All children from birth up to five years are eligible.
What if I miss the booth day?
Healthcare workers will conduct house-to-house visits on June 29 and June 30 to vaccinate missed children.
Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh Pulse Polio Drive 2026 is one of the state's largest public health campaigns, aiming to protect 49.2 lakh children from poliovirus through free vaccination.
Parents are encouraged to participate actively by ensuring that every child under five receives two drops of the Oral Polio Vaccine on June 28, helping Andhra Pradesh and India continue their fight against polio.
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