Transmission and Risk Areas
Thanks to routine vaccination introduced in the UK in the mid-1950s, polio is now rare. However, if you're travelling to Central Africa, Asia, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan or Nigeria, it's vital to ensure you and your children are fully vaccinated. Polio spreads mainly via the faecal-oral route, often through poor sanitation or contaminated food and water, with outbreaks more likely in areas with low vaccination coverage (CDC, 2022).
Importance of the Vaccine
Vaccination is crucial in preventing polio. The polio vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all children receive the vaccine to ensure community immunity and prevent outbreaks (NHS, 2023).
Who Should Get the Polio Vaccine
High-Risk Travellers
Travellers heading to regions where polio is still endemic should ensure they are fully vaccinated. This includes countries in parts of Africa and Asia where polio remains a public health concern (NHS, 2023).
Children and Adults
All children should receive the polio vaccine as part of their routine immunisation schedule. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should also consider getting vaccinated (NHS, 2023).
Signs & Symptoms
Most individuals infected with polio do not exhibit symptoms; however, some may experience flu-like signs such as fever, sore throat, headache, abdominal pain and muscle aches. In less than 1% of cases, the virus can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis, which can develop rapidly over hours or days (NHS, 2023).
The Vaccination
• Course: 3 doses if it’s your first time, or alternatively, just one single booster if vaccinated previously; this vaccine protects you for 10 years.
• When to get vaccinated: Ideally two weeks prior to travel.
• Side effects: Mild side effects include soreness at the injection site, mil fever & fatigue.
• Children: Vaccine available for children aged 10 or above, however, we only vaccinate children aged 12 years and older.