Polio Immunisation

What is polio?

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a serious illness caused by the polio virus. The virus first infects the gut, but then travels to the nervous system and can cause a meningitis-like illness. This may leave permanent damage to some nerves. This can lead to wasting of some muscles and can sometimes cause paralysis of the arms or legs. The illness can seriously affect breathing in some people and may even lead to death. In 1955, before the introduction of polio immunisation, there were nearly 4,000 reported cases of polio in England and Wales. Polio is now very rare in the UK because of the success of immunisation.

The vaccine

• For young children, polio vaccine is normally part of the combined DTAP-Polio-Hib vaccine (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis/polio/haemophilus influenzae b vaccine) which is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
• For adults and teenagers who receive polio immunisation, a combined tetanus/diphtheria/polio vaccine (Td-Polio) is normally used.

The vaccine stimulates your body to make antibodies against the polio virus. These antibodies protect you from illness should you become infected with this virus.

The vaccine is safe to give if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Before 2004, the polio vaccine was given as drops into the mouth. It is now always given as an injection. If you have previously started a course of polio immunisation with oral vaccine you can finish off the course with polio injections. You do not need to start again.

Polio immunisation timetable

All children are offered polio immunisation as part of the routine immunisation programme. A full course of polio immunisation consists of five doses of vaccine as follows:

Are there any side effects from the polio vaccine?

• Slight swelling and redness at the injection site is common.
• A little area of hard skin may form at the injection site which usually disappears in time.
• Sometimes a fever occurs a few hours after the injection.
• Serious reactions are extremely rare.

Adults - are you immunised?

Polio is not just a childhood illness, it can affect anyone. Children in the UK have been immunised against polio since 1958. If you were born before 1958 you may not have been immunised. All adults who are not immunised against polio should start by having the primary course of three polio vaccines at monthly intervals. Then have the booster doses as described above.

Travellers

Polio is almost eradicated from much of the world due to immunisation. However, it is still a problem in some regions, particularly Nigeria, Pakistan and India. Your GP or practice nurse can advise if your travel destination is an 'at risk' area for polio. If you are travelling to an 'at risk' area:

• Many people will already be be fully immunised from their routine childhood immunisations and do not need a booster.
• If you have not had a booster within the last 10 years, you may be advised to have a booster dose of vaccine if you travel to certain countries. This is particularly important for health workers who intend to work in 'at risk' areas.
• Adults - see notes above. If you are not immunised, you should be immunised before you travel.

Further information

Information on immunisation from the NHS

Web: www.immunisation.org.uk

British Polio Fellowship

Their website - www.britishpolio.org.uk - includes information about polio immunisation.