The Government of Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the National Pulse Polio Immunization Programme, has launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive 2026 across the state, including the holy hill town of Tirumala.
The statewide campaign aims to vaccinate around 49 lakh children below the age of five years with the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), ensuring that every eligible child receives protection against poliomyelitis.
The campaign is being implemented by the Health Department with active participation from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), healthcare workers, ASHA volunteers, Anganwadi staff, and thousands of volunteers across Andhra Pradesh.
Pulse Polio 2026 Campaign Dates
The immunization programme will be conducted over three days:
June 28, 2026 (Sunday): Booth-based vaccination
June 29, 2026 (Monday): House-to-house verification
June 30, 2026 (Tuesday): Mop-up vaccination for missed children
Officials aim to ensure that no child under five years of age is left unvaccinated.
Pulse Polio Booth Timings
Date
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Parents are requested to visit the nearest Pulse Polio booth during these hours.
Massive Statewide Vaccination Target
This year's campaign covers approximately:
49.2 lakh children below five years
Thousands of vaccination booths
Transit vaccination points
Mobile health teams
House-to-house verification teams
Special attention is being given to:
Pilgrim destinations
Railway stations
Bus terminals
Tribal villages
Urban slums
Remote habitations
Pulse Polio Drive in Tirumala
Considering the continuous arrival of pilgrims from across India, TTD has established multiple Pulse Polio vaccination booths across Tirumala.
Children accompanying devotees can receive free Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drops at designated locations.
The initiative ensures that visiting pilgrims do not miss the opportunity to vaccinate their children during their pilgrimage.
Pulse Polio Booth Locations in Tirumala
Vaccination booths have been arranged at important public locations including:
Pilgrim accommodation complexes
Bus stations
Queue complexes
Health centres
Public gathering areas
Selected TTD facilities
Healthcare workers will guide parents to the nearest booth.
Why Every Child Must Receive Polio Drops
Health officials emphasize that every child below five years should receive the vaccine, even if:
The child has already completed routine immunization
Previous Pulse Polio doses were taken
The child appears healthy
The child recently received other vaccines
Each additional dose strengthens immunity against the poliovirus.
House-to-House Verification (June 29–30)
After Sunday's booth campaign, health workers will visit homes to:
Verify vaccinated children
Identify children who missed vaccination
Administer missed doses
Update immunization records
Parents are requested to cooperate fully during these visits.
Special Arrangements Across Andhra Pradesh
To maximize coverage, the Health Department has deployed:
Medical Officers
ANMs
ASHA Workers
Anganwadi Workers
Volunteers
Mobile vaccination teams
Transit vaccination teams
Vaccination booths have also been established at:
Railway stations
Bus stands
Major road junctions
Pilgrim centres
Tourist destinations
Why Pulse Polio Campaigns Continue
Although India was declared Polio-Free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, periodic Pulse Polio campaigns continue because:
Polio still exists in some countries.
International travel increases importation risk.
High vaccination coverage prevents outbreaks.
Maintaining herd immunity protects future generations.
These campaigns remain a critical public health initiative.
Safety of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
The Oral Polio Vaccine has been safely administered worldwide for decades.
Benefits include:
Easy oral administration
No injection required
Free of cost
Highly effective
WHO-recommended
Safe for repeated doses
Parents should not skip the vaccine simply because previous doses have already been given.
Important Guidelines for Parents
Before visiting the vaccination booth:
Bring children below five years.
Visit during booth timings (6 AM–6 PM).
No registration fee is required.
Vaccination is completely free.
Do not miss the campaign even if routine vaccinations are complete.
Pilgrims Visiting Tirumala
Families visiting Tirumala during the campaign should ensure their eligible children receive the two life-saving drops.
TTD officials have requested devotees to utilize the vaccination booths conveniently located throughout Tirumala.
Receiving the vaccine takes only a few minutes and provides long-term protection against one of the world's most disabling diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should receive Pulse Polio drops?
Every child below five years of age.
Is the vaccine free?
Yes. The Oral Polio Vaccine is provided completely free of cost.
What are the booth timings?
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on June 28, 2026.
My child already received routine vaccinations. Should they still take Pulse Polio drops?
Yes. Every eligible child should receive the Pulse Polio dose regardless of previous vaccination history.
What happens if we miss June 28?
Health workers will conduct house-to-house visits on June 29 and June 30 to vaccinate missed children
Conclusion
The Pulse Polio Immunization Drive 2026 reflects Andhra Pradesh's continued commitment to keeping every child safe from poliomyelitis. With nearly 49 lakh children targeted across the state and dedicated vaccination booths operating in Tirumala, the campaign ensures that both residents and visiting pilgrims can easily access free immunization.
Parents are urged not to miss this important opportunity. Just two drops can provide crucial protection, helping India maintain its hard-earned polio-free status. If you are visiting Tirumala or living anywhere in Andhra Pradesh between June 28 and June 30, 2026, make sure every child under five receives the Oral Polio Vaccine and contributes to a healthier, polio-free future.
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