INTRODUCTION : Despite India being declared polio-free, the risk of poliovirus importation and vaccine-derived
poliovirus (VDPV) remains. Tamil Nadu has been polio-free since 2004, and in March 2024, an Intensified Pulse Polio
Immunization (IPPI) campaign was conducted. A telephonic dipstick survey was initiated to assess OPV coverage and
identify barriers to vaccination.
METHODS : Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine conducted a telephonic survey of mothers using systematic
random sampling from the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) portal. A sample of 1,200
mothers across 46 Health Unit Districts (HUDs) was targeted to assess polio vaccination coverage and reasons for non-
vaccination during 3rd day of IPPI.
RESULTS : : Out of 2,235 calls, 1,174 (52.5%) mothers responded, with 1073 (91.3%) reporting their children received OPV.
Most vaccinations occurred at Anganwadi centres (59%). Among the unvaccinated (8.6%), the reasons included child illness
(30%), being out of town (29%), and lack of awareness (23%). Subsequent follow-up increased OPV coverage to 1120 (95.4%).
CONCLUSION: The survey showed high OPV coverage but highlighted gaps in urban areas like Chennai and the need
for targeted community outreach for absentee and unaware families. This rapid assessment method provided actionable
insights for future campaigns to ensure sustained polio-free status.