Second phase of polio vaccination in Holguin immunizes more than 32,000 children

During the second phase of polio vaccination in Holguin, which began on June 15th and will continue until the 19th. Approximately 21,990 children between one month old and one day before their third birthday are expected to be vaccinated. These children received a dose during the first phase. With this additional single dose, around 10,595 nine-year-old children will also be vaccinated.

According to Dr. Norge Fernández Aguilera, head of the vaccination program in Holguin province: “This second phase of the Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign is underway. This time, children who received their second dose in the first phase will be immunized. And nine-year-olds will receive a booster dose. The goal is to reach a total of 32,592 children. A recovery week will be scheduled from June 22nd to 27th.”

As part of this 65th National Polio Vaccination Campaign, taking place simultaneously throughout the country. Parents and families of children in this age range are urged to take them to the vaccination center or designated point. So that their child can be immunized against this highly contagious viral disease. Which can have serious consequences for children’s health, such as paralysis.

A recovery week is available for infants who were ill during the regular campaign and were unable to be vaccinated due to a fever over 38°C, vomiting, or diarrhea. The vaccine comes in vials of 20 doses, and one dose is administered as two drops on the tongue. Since the vaccine is relatively safe, it is important to vaccinate children to maintain the elimination of this disease in Cuba. As part of the instructions, parents and families of vaccinated children should ensure that they do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes before and after receiving the dose to prevent the vaccine from being expelled through vomiting and regurgitation.

Poliomyelitis, also known as polio, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the nervous system and can cause permanent muscle paralysis. In Cuba, as in most countries worldwide, this disease has been eradicated, but it still exists in some regions.

For this reason, it is important to get vaccinated against it. As the vaccine provides immunity against the virus and helps prevent the spread of the disease. Mass vaccination is essential to reducing the number of polio cases worldwide and is one of the main strategies for its complete eradication.

Furthermore, by ensuring that the indicated age groups are vaccinated against polio, while also protecting children. We contribute to protecting the entire community and reduce the risk of virus transmission. Therefore, polio vaccination is crucial in the national immunization schedule and for the eradication of this disease.

Maylín Betancourt Verdecia
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