Polio Does Not Scare Them, Vaccine Does

According to this article, families in Uttar Pradesh are refusing to allow their sons to be immunised with the polio vaccine. Parents are refusing the immunisation because of the fear that the vaccine will make their children impotent.

Some villagers believe that the red tinge in the vaccine is blood, and that the vaccine is sinful. Others believe that the vaccine is poisonous and are asking their children to stay away from the polio booths.

According to the article, Uttar Pradesh has had the lowest routine-immunisation rate and the highest number of polio cases across India. In an attempt to boost the polio vaccination campaign, the district of Moradabad has asked religious leaders, panchayat heads and teachers to talk to villagers about vaccination.