Overview A district-wide Pulse Polio vaccination drive is scheduled for December 21, 2025 , aiming to vaccinate all children below five years of age. Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy urged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to maintain India's polio-free status, a significant achievement in public health. Key Developments Vaccination Drive Details Date: December 21, 2025 Time: Vaccination booths will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Household Visits: From December 22 to 24 , health teams will visit homes to administer the vaccine. Special Campaigns: Targeted campaigns at transit points and high-risk areas from December 21 to 24 . Polio Status According to Dr. Sudhir Naik from the Health Department, no polio cases have been detected in the country for the last 14 years . Karnataka reported its last polio case in 2007 , and no cases have been recorded since then. This highlights the success of continuous immunization efforts. Target Population and Infrastructure Target Children: The district aims to vaccinate 2,22,084 children below five years. Vaccination Booths: A total of 1,648 booths will be set up. Mobile Teams: 50 mobile teams will be deployed to reach remote areas and households. Migrant Families: Steps are being taken to identify and vaccinate children from both incoming and outgoing migrant families, ensuring comprehensive coverage. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS2: Health , Government Policies , and Social Justice . The Pulse Polio program is a key example of a successful public health initiative in India. Understanding the strategies and challenges in implementing such programs is crucial for the UPSC exam. Important Facts for Prelims Date of Pulse Polio drive: December 21, 2025 Vaccination booth timings: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Household visits: December 22-24 Last polio case in Karnataka: 2007 Number of children targeted: 2,22,084 Number of booths: 1,648 Number of mobile teams: 50 Potential Mains Questions Discuss the importance of Pulse Polio immunization campaigns in eradicating polio and the challenges faced in maintaining polio-free status. Analyze the strategies employed to reach vulnerable populations, such as migrant families, during immunization drives. Evaluate the role of local government bodies and community participation in the success of public health programs like Pulse Polio. Essay Themes Public Health Initiatives in India: Successes and Challenges The Role of Government and Community in Eradicating Diseases