I WAS shocked to read the report on expired polio vaccine being administered to children in Rawalpindi (Dec 17). It was unbelievable that expired vaccines were provided to polio workers.

The preparation for the polio campaign started months ago. As far as I know, the workers are trained and every training has a session on vaccine vial management, including the three basic points – each worker and her supervisor has to check vaccine vial monitor, expiry date and any physical damage to the vial.

Why these workers accepted the expired vaccine vials must be investigated. But more important and beyond comprehension is the statement of Emergency Operation Centre on Polio National Coordinator, Dr Rana Safdar, who said expired vaccine is not harmful if administered as it cannot cause the disease. Will the EOC staff administer the expired vaccines to their own children if they are not harmful? Even a layman knows the effects of expired medicines and vaccines.

Such statements create doubts among the public. Will there be any accountability on this negligence? Such negligence will be instrumental in keeping the children away from vaccination and make the government’s target of eradicating polio unachievable.

Dr Shahnaz Shallwani

Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2019