The polio vaccine protects against poliomyelitis, a viral infection that can cause paralysis. A booster dose may be advised for travellers visiting areas where polio remains a risk.
£35 per dose — single-dose course
Who it is for
Travellers visiting countries where polio still circulates or where outbreaks have been reported, particularly those whose last dose was more than ten years ago.
Number of doses
Usually a single booster dose for those who completed the routine childhood course.
When to have it
Ideally before travel, so protection is up to date in good time for departure.
How long protection lasts
A booster generally maintains protection for around ten years.
How it is given
By injection into the upper arm, often combined with tetanus and diphtheria in one vaccine.
Price
£35 per dose
The polio vaccine protects against poliomyelitis, a viral infection that can cause paralysis. For travel it is usually given as a single booster, often combined with tetanus and diphtheria, and may be advised for travellers to parts of Asia and Africa where polio remains a risk. The polio vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
Polio is a viral infection spread mainly through contact with the faeces of an infected person, and sometimes through contaminated food and water. While most people experience no symptoms or only a mild illness, in a small number of cases the virus attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis.
Thanks to global vaccination efforts, polio has been eliminated from most of the world, but the virus still circulates in a small number of countries and can re-emerge in others. Travellers to affected areas may need a booster to ensure they remain protected.
For travel, polio protection is usually given as a single booster dose, often combined with tetanus and diphtheria in one injection. Your travel health nurse will check your vaccination history and destination to advise whether a booster is suitable for you.
Ideally before travel
A booster is ideally given before departure to ensure protection is up to date, and some countries may require recent vaccination for entry or exit.
High level of protection
The polio vaccine provides a strong protective immune response, and a booster reliably restores immunity in those previously vaccinated.
Around ten years
A booster dose generally maintains protection for around ten years, after which a further booster may be advised for those with continued risk.
A polio booster may be advised for travellers visiting countries where polio still circulates or where outbreaks have been reported, especially if their last dose was more than ten years ago. Some countries also require proof of recent vaccination for travellers. Your travel health nurse will review your history and destination before recommending it.
A polio booster may be advised for travellers visiting countries where polio still circulates or where outbreaks linked to imported or vaccine-derived virus have occurred. It is particularly relevant for those whose last dose was more than ten years ago, and for people visiting areas with limited sanitation. Some destinations also require proof of recent polio vaccination as a condition of entry or exit, which may be recorded on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. Your travel health nurse will review your vaccination history and destination before recommending a booster.
Most people in the UK will have received polio vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. For travel, protection is usually topped up with a single booster dose given by injection into the upper arm. This is commonly given as a combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine, so all three can be brought up to date in one injection where needed. For the small number of people who have never been vaccinated, a full primary course of three doses may be advised before travel.
A polio booster generally maintains protection for around ten years in those who completed the routine childhood course. A further booster may be advised after this time for travellers with continued risk through their destinations. Keeping a record of your vaccination dates helps your travel health nurse advise whether you are due a top-up before your next trip.
Polio vaccine is well tolerated and most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common reactions include tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site, a mild fever, headache or feeling generally unwell for a day or two. Serious reactions are rare. As with any vaccine, your travel health nurse will discuss any individual considerations with you and ask you to wait briefly after vaccination so you can be observed.