Polio vaccine

Polio in the UK

There have been no confirmed cases of paralysis due to polio caught in the UK since 1984.

Although some poliovirus has been found in sewage from London recently, the risk of getting it remains extremely low.

The chance of getting ill from polio is higher if you are not fully vaccinated, so it’s important to make sure you, and your child, are up to date with your vaccines.

Washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day also helps you avoid catching and spreading viruses.

Check before you travel

If you’re travelling abroad, get advice from a travel clinic, GP, nurse or pharmacist before you go.

In addition to the routine polio vaccines, you may need a polio booster vaccination before you travel.

Some countries require proof of vaccination (an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, or ICVP) before you can enter or leave.

Treatments for polio

There is no treatment for polio, but some types of care will help lower the risk of long-term problems.

This can include:

• bed rest in hospital

• painkillers

• help with breathing

• regular stretches and exercises to prevent problems with your muscles and joints

You may need to have specialist help such as physiotherapy or surgery if you have any long-term problems caused by polio.

Symptoms of polio

Most people who get polio do not have symptoms.

Some people get mild, flu-like symptoms, such as:

• a high temperature

• extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• headaches

• being sick (vomiting)

• a stiff neck

• muscle pain

These symptoms usually last up to 10 days.

Rarely, polio can lead to more serious symptoms that affect the brain and nerves, such as weakness in your muscles (paralysis), usually in the legs. This can happen over hours or days.

If the paralysis affects the muscles used for breathing, it can be life threatening.

Most people will recover, and movement will slowly come back over the next few weeks. Some people can be left with permanent disability.

We provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to ensure that you can get the recommended vaccinations on time.