The Directorate General of Health Services of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has announced a mandatory polio vaccination requirement for all travelers entering India. This includes individuals traveling from polio-infected countries or countries with circulating poliovirus.
Polio-Endemic and Circulating Countries
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently identifies Afghanistan and Pakistan as polio-endemic countries. Additionally, travelers from countries with circulating poliovirus, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Syria, will also require vaccination. This list may be subject to change based on future poliovirus detections.
Vaccination Requirements
Travelers must obtain a valid OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) or IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) certificate issued by a designated health officer in their home country. The advisory is effective for travel since May 1, 2024. However, due to limited OPV availability in some listed countries, it is revised to now accept IPV vaccination.
Importance of Polio Vaccination
Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis in children. Vaccination is critical to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health. This new policy by the Indian government aims to ensure travelers entering the country are immunized and contribute to maintaining a polio-free India.
