Andaman and Nicobar Islands health officials achieved 98.01% coverage during the 2026 National Immunization Day (NID) for polio, successfully vaccinating 18,958 children under age five. According to the Directorate of Health Services, the campaign utilized 447 fixed booths and targeted transit hubs, with follow-up house-to-house visits scheduled for June 29 and 30 to reach remaining children.
How did the vaccination campaign reach remote populations?
Logistical precision drove the success of the 2026 polio drive across the archipelago. The Health Department established fixed vaccination booths at strategic high-traffic nodes, including the Veer Savarkar International Airport, sea ports, and on inter-island vessels, according to official reports. This approach ensured that families traveling between islands remained within the reach of the immunization program. By placing resources directly in transit corridors, the department minimized the risk of children missing their dose due to travel schedules.
Some regions, including North and Middle Andaman and the Nicobar district, recorded over 100% coverage.
What are the next steps for the immunization drive?
The campaign transitioned from static booth-based delivery to active community outreach on June 29 and 30. During this phase, healthcare workers and private practitioners conduct house-to-house visits. According to Dr. Avijit Roy, Deputy Director (Health)/State Immunization Officer, this two-tier strategy is designed to identify and vaccinate any children missed during the initial booth-based phase. This “mop-up” method serves as a safety net to ensure the Union Territory maintains its polio-free status in alignment with national health benchmarks.
Why does geographic coverage vary across the islands?
Data from the Directorate of Health Services shows a slight variance in reach across the three administrative districts. South Andaman reported a 96.66% success rate, while North and Middle Andaman reached 100.6% and Nicobar reached 101.3%. This data highlights the necessity of flexible, mobile vaccination strategies in island geography, where population movement is frequent.
District-wise Coverage Comparison
| District | Coverage Percentage |
|---|---|
| South Andaman | 96.66% |
| North and Middle Andaman | 100.6% |
| Nicobar | 101.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What vaccine was administered during the drive? Children received the bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV).
- Who is eligible for the polio vaccine? The campaign specifically targets all children below the age of five years.
- Why are house-to-house visits necessary? They ensure that children who were traveling, sick, or otherwise unable to reach a booth on the primary immunization day still receive protection.
- Who led the inaugural ceremony? Dr. H. M. Siddaraju, Director of Health Services, inaugurated the program at the Urban Health Centre in Junglighat.
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