Islamabad:Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasir Rana, Head of Paediatric Emergency Department at the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS) on Thursday urged parents to ensure that their children receive all recommended polio vaccine doses for maximum protection against the virus.
Speaking to a local news channel, he said the polio virus primarily spreads by entering the body through the mouth via contaminated food and water before reaching the intestine.
The virus can then enter the nervous system and damage neurons, particularly those in the spinal cord responsible for controlling movement and muscle strength, he said, adding that such damage could be permanent and lifelong.
Addressing concerns about additional polio vaccine doses after routine vaccination, Prof. Rana said additional doses provide an extra layer of protection.
‘The purpose of immunization is to ensure that no child is left unprotected against the polio virus,’ he said, adding that vaccines strengthen the body’s immune response by helping it develop antibodies.
He urged parents to ensure that their children receive all routine vaccinations according to the recommended schedule, particularly during the first two years of life.
He further advised parents to consult a doctor promptly if their children develop any concerning symptoms, saying Pakistan has a strong health and immunization system with support from the government, WHO and UNICEF, and that the services are provided free of charge.