Polio Travel Vaccination

Polio (poliomyelitis) is highly contagious and occurs in the gastro-intestinal tract and can spread to the nervous system. This viral infection can be very serious, resulting in lifelong paralysis, usually in the legs, in one in 200 people who catch the polio virus. It is spread via the faecal-oral route or by respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of polio

Most people (95%) who catch polio will not have any symptoms. Infected people, even those without symptoms, can spread the virus to others. Those who do have symptoms will experience some of the following for around a week starting about 20 days after infection:

• abdominal pains
• fever
• headache
• muscular pains
• nausea and vomiting
• sore throat.

If the virus attacks the nerves in the spine and at the base of the brain, paralysis can result. This paralysis is not always permanent, but if it spreads to the respiratory system, the patient may need to be supported with assisted breathing.

Countries where exposure to polio is a risk

The list of countries where there is an active spread of the polio virus changes frequently. You should ask your Global Travel Clinics nurse for the most up-to-date advice. Outbreaks often occur where the infrastructure has broken down because of conflict or natural disaster. Some of these countries may demand proof of vaccination against polio before you can leave, and you will be given a booster dose before you are allowed to exit.

Travellers at risk from polio

Aid workers and healthcare workers (including laboratory staff) and particularly those who will be working in places with poor sanitation should ensure their polio vaccination is kept up to date. Long-stay travellers and those visiting friends and relatives are also at risk of exposure. If you are travelling to care for a relative who is sick with polio, ask about a booster.

Prevent the spread of polio

The vaccine Adacel Polio protects adults from diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Children should be vaccinated under the national schedule. A booster is required every ten years if you are travelling to high-risk areas.

Polio spreads quickly where sanitation is poor and can be picked up from contaminated food and water. Choose water from sealed bottles, or water that has been treated. Avoid ice and peel fruit. Also take extra care with personal hygiene and hand washing.

Because polio can be spread via respiratory droplets, you should practice good sneezing and coughing etiquette and avoid touching your mouth or face with unwashed hands.