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Despite recent revelation that 1.5 lakh vials of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in India were adulterated, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has retained India’s polio-free status and lauded the country for taking quick corrective steps.
The Type 2 strain of polio virus was said to be eradicated and WHO had instructed that all vaccine facilities should destroy its presence. However, it was found again in a weak form in the OPV vaccines manufactured by Ghaziabad-based Bio-Med Pvt Ltd.
Experts have said that such sudden re-introduction of Type 2 strain after two years of absence can trigger the emergence of a potent mutated form of virus that can cripple children. WHO has also accepted that there is minimal risk of vaccine-derived polio. The WHO statement says: “Despite the risk of vaccine-derived polio being minimal, the immediate withdrawal of these vaccines demonstrates the commitment of the government to the health of children.”
Certified polio-free in March 2014, India continues to remain vigilant against all three types of polio viruses – Type 1, 2 and 3. The last polio case due to wild polio virus in the country was detected on January 13, 2011.
“Recently, Type 2 polio vaccine virus was found in some sewage and stool samples. The detection of Type 2 vaccine virus demonstrates a robust polio surveillance system jointly managed by the Health Ministry, WHO and partners,” further says the statement. “WHO and UNICEF stand committed to support the government in maintaining a Polio-free India.”
Type 2 polio virus containing vaccine has been phased out globally. In India it was done in April 2016, as a part of the polio End Game strategy. As elsewhere, bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) has replaced the trivalent OPV (tOPV) in all polio campaigns and routine immunisation in India.
Also, WHO reiterated that polio vaccines are safe for administration. “In view of high routine immunisation coverage being achieved in India under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the risk of children getting vaccine derived polio virus is minimal. All vaccines provided under the UIP are safe. Ensuring your child is vaccinated against polio is not only essential for his/ her protection but also important to keep India polio free,” the statement said.
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