Increasing Awareness and the Importance of Immunization Against Polio

Polio, or poliomyelitis , is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus virus. Even though there is a vaccine against this disease, there are still several cases of polio that occur in several countries. Therefore, raising awareness and increasing immunization rates are crucial steps in fighting polio.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , polio is a disease that can cause paralysis and even death in children. This virus spreads through direct contact with the feces of an infected person or through droplets from the respiratory tract. Immunization is the best way to protect children from polio.

Polio Symptoms:

Polio disease often does not cause obvious symptoms, and some cases can be subclinical. However, some infected people can experience mild to severe symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and stiffness in the neck or back. In some cases, this disease can progress to muscle paralysis.

 

Vaccine Administration:

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your children from polio. In Indonesia, polio vaccination is included in the National Immunization Program (PIN). Oral polio vaccine (VPO) is given routinely at certain ages, including infancy. This vaccine is safe and effective in preventing the spread of the polio virus.

The polio vaccine was discovered by Jonas Salk in 1955, and since then, polio immunization has become an important part of routine vaccination programs throughout the world. However, despite the availability of vaccines, there are still challenges in achieving optimal immunization coverage in some regions.

 

According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, VPO is given in stages at the ages of 2, 3, 4 and 18 months. VPO is administered by health workers at community health centers or other health service locations. It is important to follow the prescribed immunization schedule to ensure optimal protection.

 

Polio Prevention:

Apart from vaccination, preventing polio involves cleanliness and hygiene measures. The polio virus is spread through direct contact with the feces of an infected person, therefore, washing hands with soap after using the toilet or before eating is very important. Prevention efforts also include avoiding contact with people who may be infected and ensuring the cleanliness of the surrounding environment.

 

Increasing public awareness about the importance of polio immunization, symptoms of the disease, and preventive measures is essential in the collective effort to fight polio. By following immunization programs and adopting good hygiene practices, we can together create a society free from the threat of polio. Further information can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia or contact the nearest health center.