This year's Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation programme began on Sunday with the Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, administering the first dose to a child at his residence in Gopalapuram.
The State Government proposes to administer the oral polio vaccine to 70 lakh children below the age of five in the State.
2 lakh volunteers
Around two lakh persons including those from government departments, Rotary clubs and non-governmental organisations, participated in the vaccination drive.
On Sunday, the vaccine was administered in 40,399 special camps at government hospitals, primary health centres, health sub-centres, noon meal centres, schools, bus stands, railway stations, places of worship and tourist spots.
Mobile camps were set up to administer the vaccine to children of migrants from North India and Sri Lankan refugees.
Marker
The right little finger of children who received the vaccine dose was marked with marker pens to help identify them.
Second round
In the second round, the pulse polio vaccines will be administered on February 27, an official press release said.
