Intensifying Vaccination Efforts Against Polio in Peru

In the lead-up to World Polio Day, the Lambayeque Regional Health Management in Peru has announced a week-long vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children under 5 years of age against polio and other diseases. The regional immunization coordinator, Jose Antonio Enriquez Salazar, emphasized the importance of completing vaccination schedules to prevent the spread of the disease, which can cause permanent muscle paralysis and, in rare cases, death.

Key Takeaways:

• The Lambayeque Regional Health Management has launched a vaccination campaign targeting children under 5 years of age to protect against polio and other diseases.
• As of October of this year, 76% of children have received their three doses against polio, but the coverage remains low for booster vaccines, with only 52% of children having received their first dose and the remaining doses applied at 18 months and 4 years of age.
• A significant number of children, approximately 22,000, have only received their first dose and have not completed their vaccination schedule.
• Transmission of the disease is primarily through the fecal-oral route, closely related to hand hygiene and proper waste disposal in public spaces.
• Parents with children under 5 years of age are encouraged to visit the nearest health facility to complete their vaccinations.

Statistics:

• 76% of children have received their three doses against polio as of October of this year.
• 52% of children have received their first dose and the remaining doses applied at 18 months and 4 years of age.
• Approximately 22,000 children have only received their first dose and have not completed their vaccination schedule.
• Peru is at high risk of transmission of the disease due to its high international traffic.

Sources:

• The Lambayeque Regional Health Management, Peru, October 20-26.
• Euclid Infotech Pvt., Ltd., distributed by Contify.com, 2025.