Frequently Asked Questions

1. WHAT IS Polio?

   Polio is a dangerous disease caused by a virus and can cause lifelong paralysis or even death. 
    

2. HOW IS POLIO TRANSMITTED?

   Polio spreads from person to person through the mouth, by contact with hands, water, or food contaminated with the feces (pek pek) of an infected person.
    

3. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTIONS OF POLIO?

   Symptoms of Polio include pain in the arms or legs, sudden weakness or paralysis of the limbs or other parts of the body, as well as fever, tiredness, headache, and vomiting.. 
    

4. WHO IS AT RISK? 
   Polio usually affects younger children, particularly those with poor immunization status. Data analysis indicates that children under 5 years are at risk of getting Polio disease due to LOW IMMUNIZATION COVERAGE.
    

5. HOW IS POLIO CONFIRMED?

   Polio is confirmed by collecting stool samples (pek pek) from a child or adult with suspected polio and testing them in a laboratory to confirm the presence of Polio virus.
    

6. HOW CAN BE POLIO TREATED?

   There is NO CURE for Polio however it can be easily prevented through multiple doses of Polio immunization and good hygiene practices (hand washing with soap, proper use of Toilet).

    

7. WHAT VACCINE ARE AVAILABLE AGAINST POLIO?

   There are two types of vaccine available. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or Polio Drops given in the form of drops through mouth and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) given as an injection to children. But for this round in NCD, Central, Morobe and Enga, ONLY Polio Drops will be used. 

    

8. ARE THE POLIO VACCINE SAFE?

   Both of Polio vaccines are extremely SAFE, EFFECTIVE and used worldwide, including PNG. 

    

9. Why 3rd round of polio Immunization campaign targeting children under 5 years in your province?

   Data from previous campaign rounds show that many children under 5 years old have been missing in NCD, Central, Morobe and Enga. This highlights the need for an additional round of immunization to ensure these vulnerable children receive the necessary vaccines.

    

Nationwide POLIO Immunization Campaign

3rd round of Polio immunization campaign is being conducted from 27th April to 22nd May 2026, in NCD, Central, Morobe and Enga provinces to immunize children under 5 years. Other health services for children will be also offered during the campaign.

Immunization will be carried out at the nearest health facilities, and by outreach and mobile teams visiting your communities.

ACTION REQUIRED:

All girls and boys under 5 years of age MUST be immunized against Polio during this campaign,even if they have previously received the vaccine.

Children require multiple and repeated doses for full protection.

FREE SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN DURING CAMPAIGN

Note: Services apart from Polio vaccines are subject to availability of supplies