Poliomyelitis Vaccination

Polio is an acute viral illness that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. It is spread mainly through person to person (faecal-oral route) contact in areas where sanitation and personal hygiene are poor.

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are considered the countries with the highest risk of the disease. However, the disease can be spread to individuals in other countries who are not protected against the disease and outbreaks do occur.

Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio Combined Summary

Age of Use

10+ years

Doses Required

Just 1

Schedule

N/A

Time before Travel

Up to day before*

Booster Required

10 years

Cost

£30

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover

When is poliomyelitis vaccination indicated?

Vaccination is indicated for people who are travelling to areas where poliomyelitis is epidemic or endemic if:

They have not been previously immunized.
They have not been fully immunized according to the UK schedule.
Their last dose of polio vaccine was 10 years ago, or longer.
Poliomyelitis vaccination is part of the childhood vaccination programme

When is poliomyelitis vaccination contraindicated?

Do not give poliomyelitis vaccine if the person:

Has a current severe febrile illness.
Has had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of poliomyelitis vaccine.
Has had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B (which may be present in trace amounts).

What are the adverse effects of poliomyelitis vaccine?

Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site are common and may occur more frequently following subsequent doses. A small, painless nodule may form at the injection site; this usually disappears and is of no consequence.

Confirmed anaphylaxis occurs extremely rarely. Data from the UK, Canada, and the USA point to rates of 0.65–3 anaphylaxis events per million doses of vaccine given.

Opening Times

Mon:	9:00am - 6:30pm

Tue:	9:00am - 6:30pm

Wed:	9:00am - 6:30pm

Thur:	9:00am - 6:30pm

Fri:	9:00am - 6:30pm

Sat:	9:00am - 1:00pm

Sun:	Closed