Bengaluru is getting ready for a major health campaign to protect children from polio. The Pulse Polio vaccination drive will begin on December 21, 2025, and continue until December 24, 2025. The campaign is part of a nationwide effort to keep India polio‑free and ensure that every child under five years of age receives protection.
India was declared polio‑free in 2014, but recent cases in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan have reminded health authorities that the disease can return if precautions are not taken. To prevent this, the government organizes regular vaccination drives so that immunity levels remain strong among children.
In Bengaluru, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has set a target to vaccinate more than 11.34 lakh children across five city corporations. Statewide, Karnataka aims to cover 62.4 lakh children during this campaign. The vaccination will be given in the form of oral drops, known as bOPV (bivalent oral polio vaccine).
On December 21, vaccination booths will be set up across the city where parents can bring their children. After that, health workers will go door‑to‑door for two to three days to reach children who may have missed the booth vaccination. Special mobile teams will also be deployed in busy areas such as bus stands, railway stations, metro stations, markets, malls, parks, and slums to make sure no child is left out.
The campaign will involve thousands of volunteers, including nursing, medical, and paramedical students. Their role will be crucial in spreading awareness and ensuring smooth delivery of vaccines.
Urvashi Theatre and other iconic landmarks may no longer exist, but Bengaluru continues to show its commitment to public health. The Pulse Polio drive is another example of how the city works together to protect its future generations.
Parents are being urged to take their children to the nearest booth or ensure they receive the drops at home. Even if a child has been vaccinated before, it is important to take part in the campaign because repeated doses strengthen immunity.
The upcoming drive is not just about preventing polio; it is about safeguarding the health of every child in Bengaluru. As the city prepares for this important campaign, the message is clear: no child should be left unprotected.
