Pulse Polio Immunization Drive to Begin on December 21 in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir. Bhaderwah and its adjoining areas will observe the latest round of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme starting December 21, 2025. All necessary arrangements for the drive have been put in place by the concerned Block Medical Officers (BMOs) as part of India’s continued efforts to sustain its polio-free status. BMO Bhaderwah Dr Varsha Sharma said that December 21 will be the main booth-based vaccination day, followed by door-to-door vaccination and mop-up rounds from December 22 to December 23 to ensure no child is left out. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) will be administered to all children under five years of age, irrespective of their previous immunization status. A total of 90 vaccination booths have been established at designated health centres, community centres, schools, and four transit points, including bus stands, Pasri Adda, Domail Naka, and other key locations. Although India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, such campaigns remain vital to maintain high community immunity and prevent the re-importation of the virus from neighbouring countries where polio is still endemic, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Health Department has deployed 400 trained staff, volunteers, and mobile teams, including ASHA, Education Department and Anganwadi workers, to ensure maximum coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach and high-risk areas. BMO Bhaderwah urged parents and guardians to cooperate fully and ensure that all eligible children receive the oral polio vaccine during the drive.