NITAG member Dr Shafi calls for collective action to ensure full immunization, polio drops for every child

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) Renowned pediatrician and NITAG member Professor Dr Khalid Shafi on Saturday strongly urged parents to ensure complete post-birth vaccination and timely booster doses for their children, along with administering polio drops in every immunization drive, to protect them from preventable diseases and secure their healthy future.

While speaking exclusively with a local media outlet, NITAG member Professor Dr Khalid Shafi emphasized that full immunization and polio drops coverage is a shared responsibility of parents, health workers and the wider community.

He endorsed the ongoing Polio Booster Dose Campaign being conducted from May 12 to May 24 in 89 high-risk areas, calling it a critical step toward protecting children from preventable diseases.

He urged parents to ensure vaccination of all children without delay, stressing that repeated immunization is safe, scientifically proven, and essential to protect children from poliovirus and lifelong disability.

Highlighting the existing gap in coverage, he noted that only around 70% of children are fully immunized, while nearly 30% remain unvaccinated.

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He warned that this gap continues to pose a serious public health risk and must be urgently addressed through sustained efforts.

He further said that the government is actively working in collaboration with Members of Parliament, mayors, local councilors, and influential religious scholars and community imams to strengthen awareness at the grassroots level.

These stakeholders, he added, are playing a key role in addressing misconceptions and countering propaganda against vaccination.

Dr Shafi emphasized that collective awareness campaigns and community engagement are essential to ensure public trust, improve vaccine acceptance and move toward complete immunization coverage across all high-risk areas.

He concluded by urging the youth to play an active role on social media in spreading accurate information about vaccines, countering misinformation and supporting public health awareness campaigns to help ensure full immunization and polio eradication in the country.