Polio – immunization

Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. The poliovirus spreads when food, water or hands contaminated with the feces, or the throat or nasal secretions, of an infected person enter the mouth of someone who is not infected.

Symptoms#

Most people infected with polio have no symptoms. Others develop a non-specific feverish illness, with symptoms that may include fever, tiredness, headache, muscle stiffness, nausea and vomiting. Fewer than 1 in 100 people infected with poliovirus develop severe muscle weakness, known as acute flaccid paralysis.

Polio can be prevented with immunization#

All children and adults should receive a full course of polio vaccine and stay up to date with booster doses. Serious side effects or allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare. If you are concerned about your reaction or your child’s reaction to any vaccine, see your doctor promptly.

A global eradication effort aims to eliminate all cases of polio worldwide, with immunization as a central part of the plan. Many parts of the world have been free of polio for years, but the disease still circulates in a few countries and remains a risk for travelers to affected areas. Until polio is eradicated everywhere, it could return wherever people are not immunized, so vaccination is recommended for all infants, children and adults.

Immunization against polio#

Schedules vary from country to country, but polio vaccine is usually given to children as part of combined vaccines:

• A six-in-one vaccine in infancy (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Hemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib)
• A four-in-one booster in early childhood (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio)

Catch-up vaccination is also recommended for older children, and for refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age, who did not receive the vaccines in childhood.

Polio immunization for adults#

All adults should make sure they have been vaccinated against polio. An adult having the vaccine for the first time should receive a course of three injections, with an interval of four weeks between doses. If you have not had at least three doses, ask your doctor about catch-up doses.

Adults do not need a booster unless they are at special risk. You should arrange a booster with your doctor if you:

• Intend to travel to areas where polio is still present — check before travelling overseas
• Are a laboratory worker likely to handle specimens that contain live poliovirus
• Are a healthcare worker who may have contact with people who have polio

For adults at higher risk of exposure, vaccination is recommended every 10 years. If you are travelling overseas, talk to your doctor beforehand about whether you need a booster for the countries you are visiting.

Pre-immunization checklist#

Before receiving the vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if you (or your child):

• Are unwell or have a fever (temperature over 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
• Are pregnant
• Have allergies to any other medicines or substances
• Have had a serious reaction to any vaccine or to any component of the vaccine
• Have had a severe allergy to anything

Side effects#

Vaccines containing polio protection are effective and safe, although, like all medicines, they can have unwanted side effects. These are uncommon and usually mild and short-lived, occurring in the first few days after vaccination. They may include:

• Children being unsettled, irritable, generally unhappy, drowsy or tired
• Muscle aches
• Localized pain, redness, itchiness and swelling at the injection site, usually for one to two days
• Occasionally, an injection-site lump (nodule) that may last several weeks — treatment is not needed
• A low-grade fever

Managing side effects#

Specific treatment is not usually required. Steps that can ease side effects include giving extra fluids to drink and not overdressing a child who has a fever. Routine use of paracetamol after vaccination is not recommended, but if pain or fever is present, paracetamol can be given. Check the label for the correct dose, or ask your pharmacist — especially when giving it to children.

If a reaction after immunization is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about yourself or your child, see your doctor or immunization nurse as soon as possible, or go directly to a hospital. It is also important to seek advice if you or your child are unwell, as this may be due to another illness rather than the vaccination. Significant reactions can be reported to your local vaccine safety service.

The immunizations you may need depend on your health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Talk to your doctor or immunization provider if you think any of these factors mean an immunization is necessary for you or someone in your care.

Key points#

• Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and death.
• Most people infected with polio have no symptoms, but a small number develop acute flaccid paralysis.
• Polio can be prevented with immunization, and vaccination is recommended for all infants, children and adults.
• Adults do not need a booster unless they are at special risk, such as travel to affected areas or certain occupations.
• Until polio is eradicated worldwide, it could return wherever people are not immunized.

Where to get help#