Polio Immunization Q&A
The First Stage of the Polio National Immunization Week (PIN) was held from July 23 to August 11. Now, the Second Stage of PIN Polio has begun in Jakarta. You can get the second dose of polio drops immunization at nearby Posyandu (Integrated Health Service Posts), Puskesmas (Community Health Centers), schools, and Immunization Service Points in Jakarta to prevent poliovirus infection. Have questions related to polio and the polio drops immunization? Check out the following questions and answers—you might find one that matches yours.
Questions and Answers About Polio Immunization
Quoting the social media of the Provincial Health Office of DKI Jakarta, here are the most fundamental questions about polio and their answers that Smartcitizens need to know:
- What is polio?
Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by the polio virus. This virus can cause sudden paralysis and lifelong disability as it attacks the nervous system and can even lead to death.
Polio cases mostly occur in children under five years old, but it can also affect people of all ages.
The criteria for those at risk of contracting the polio virus are as follows:
- Children under five years old, but it can occur at any age.
- Children who have not received complete polio immunization are more vulnerable to the disease and spreading it.
- Children living in areas with many unvaccinated children.
- Children living in unsanitary environments and who do not practice Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS), such as rarely washing hands with soap and still defecating in open places.
Polio is a hazardous and contagious disease for children who do not have immunity against it. Once a child is infected with polio, there is no cure, but it can be prevented through immunization.
Nearly 90% of polio cases have no symptoms or only show mild symptoms such as sore throat, fever, nausea, fatigue, headache, neck stiffness, limb pain, and abdominal pain.
Children infected with the polio virus are at risk of paralysis. Paralysis can occur within 7-21 days after infection. If sudden paralysis is found in children under 15 years old, report it immediately to the nearest Puskesmas or Health Facility.
The polio virus enters the body through the mouth, contaminated water, or food containing feces with the polio virus. The virus multiplies in the digestive tract and attacks the nervous system. The virus in feces can survive for some time and become a source of transmission.
Complete polio immunization is the most effective effort to prevent polio. Smartcitizens need to ensure all children receive complete polio immunization to stop the virus from spreading widely in the community.
The polio virus can attack the human central nervous system. If it attacks motor or movement nerves, it can cause sudden paralysis.
A vaccinated child can still get polio if the immunization is incomplete. Complete and timely immunization according to age and dose is crucial to building a child’s immunity and creating a protective environment.
Complete polio immunization is given 4 times when the child is 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months old.
The polio drops immunization is very safe. Over 250 million doses have been administered worldwide with no reports of serious side effects or Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). In Indonesia, there have been no reports of harmful side effects. The polio drops immunization is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM).
The polio drops immunization can be given together with other routine immunizations. It can be given alongside vitamin A, with the order being polio drops first, followed by vitamin A. Deworming medication should be administered two weeks after the polio drops immunization.
Children who have received routine polio immunization should still get vaccinated during PIN Polio. The goal is to protect children from the polio virus, stop its spread, and address any outbreaks. Children should also complete other routine immunizations as per the schedule.
Since polio cannot be cured but is easily prevented with immunization, children aged 0-7 years must receive polio drops. The second immunization should be done at least two weeks after the first dose to achieve optimal immunity against the polio virus and prevent lifelong paralysis.
Fever is a very normal reaction. However, not all immunized children will experience fever.
Immunization should be postponed if a child is sick with conditions like fever or diarrhea. Immunize after the child recovers or according to a doctor's advice.
Yes, but polio drops should be postponed in children with fever or diarrhea until they recover.
Polio should not be given to the following groups:
- Babies weighing less than 2,000 grams.
- Children with immune system disorders (immunodeficiency).
- Children with HIV.
- Children undergoing long-term treatment, such as for cancer.
- Children living with people who have immune system disorders or HIV.
For children with HIV, immune system disorders, or those living with people with these conditions, polio drops should be replaced with polio injections.
Those are some of the most fundamental questions about polio and polio drop immunization along with their answers. Want to register your child for the second dose of polio immunization? The Second Stage of the Polio Immunization Week for the second dose began on August 12 and runs until August 23, 2024. Get it soon at the nearest Posyandu, Puskesmas, school, or Immunization Service Point!
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