KARACHI: The health department has launched a special oral polio vaccine and booster dose vaccination campaign in nine districts, targeting children aged four to under 10 years.

According to officials, the vaccination teams will reach eligible children in selected polio high-risk union committees (UCs) and riverine communities of Jacobabad, Kambar, Kashmore, Larkana, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Khairpur and Sukkur.

“Polio virus continues to circulate in some areas. A booster dose provides children with additional protection against the disease. The booster dose is safe, effective, painless and needle-free,” a spokesperson of the EPI said.

She added that the teams would administer the polio booster dose at designated health facilities in the campaign areas.

The official explained that older children could also carry and spread poliovirus; that is why children up to 10 years of age were included in the campaign.

The health department officials encouraged parents to bring every eligible child for vaccination when the campaign reaches their area, emphasising that every vaccinated child brings Pakistan one step closer to a polio-free future.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2026