TEHRAN -- Fulfilling the second phase of a national immunization campaign, over 5 million children under the age of 5 will be vaccinated against poliomyelitis.

According to the report released by the Public Relations Department of the Health Ministry, Dr.

Mohammad-Mahdi Gouya, head of the Center for Disease Control and Management at the Health Ministry said that this year the second phase of complimentary immunizations will be carried out in two steps.

"The first step of vaccination will be done October 26th-30th and the second step will be carried out between 14th and 18th of December," Gouya explained.

According to Gouya the campaign will cover the entire country, "with absolutely no exceptions," covering all children under five in the Islamic Republic. Referring to the immunization campaigns against polio during the last year in Iran he said, "With the continuation of the immunization campaigns, we think we will not witness any new cases and the disease will be eradicated in Iran soon."