On Sunday, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics stated that Indian children should be given injectable polio vaccines after considering the rising number of cases in the neighboring countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The association also released an updated version of the children′s immunization schedule, focusing on the timing and side effects of newer vaccines against the cancer-causing human papillomavirus, IPV, and Covid vaccines for the 12-plus age group. They also released a manual for standardizing treatment for 150 common conditions affecting children.

Dr. Upendra Kinjawadeka, the President-elect, stated that private-sector hospitals provide more than five shots of IPV to children, while the national program has guidelines for only two fractional doses. He added that the association has requested that the government include one full muscular shot in the national program.

Dr. Y. K. Amdekar, a senior pediatrician, added that immunization is a proven tool for controlling and even eradicating diseases. He claimed that a successful immunization program is a crucial need in India as a significant number of deaths are attributable to vaccine-preventable diseases. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/children-need-to-be-given-injectable-polio-vaccine/96350005 )