Travel vaccine

Polio Vaccine

Polio is a viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis. It has been eliminated from most of the world, but still circulates in a few areas. For travel it's given as a combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster, and some countries require proof of recent vaccination.

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Key facts

Who it's for

Travellers to areas where polio still circulates; anyone not up to date

Vaccination course

Usually a combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster (Td/IPV)

Booster

Consider if it's been over 10 years and you're travelling to a risk area

Entry rules

Some affected countries require proof of polio vaccination to exit (often within the last 12 months)

How it spreads

Contaminated food and water; coughs and sneezes

When to have it

A few weeks before travel where possible

Overview

Polio (poliomyelitis) is caused by a virus spread mainly through the faecal–oral route — contaminated food and water — and sometimes by coughs and sneezes. Most infections cause no or mild symptoms, but the virus can attack the nervous system and cause permanent paralysis, which is occasionally life-threatening if it affects the muscles used for breathing.

A global vaccination effort has eliminated polio from most countries, but it still circulates in a small number of areas, and vaccine-derived poliovirus is occasionally detected elsewhere — including in UK sewage surveillance. For travellers, the priority is to be up to date, usually through a combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster.

Risk areas

Polio remains a risk in a small number of countries, mainly in parts of South Asia (Afghanistan and Pakistan) and some countries in Africa and the Middle East where vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks have occurred. Because requirements and affected areas can change, it's important to check the latest advice for your destination before you travel.

Risk for travellers

Risk is higher for travellers to areas where polio still circulates, especially on longer stays, when visiting friends and relatives, or where sanitation is poor. Some affected countries require travellers to show proof of polio vaccination — usually given within the previous 12 months — when leaving the country. A booster is recommended if it has been more than 10 years since your last dose and you're travelling to a risk area.

Signs & symptoms

Most infections cause no symptoms
Flu-like symptoms — fever, sore throat, headache and tiredness
Stomach upset
Stiffness in the neck and back
Muscle weakness or pain
Paralysis (uncommon, but can be permanent) in severe cases

Vaccine details

For travel, polio protection is given as a combined booster that also covers tetanus and diphtheria (Td/IPV). A full UK course gives long-term protection, and a booster is recommended if it's been more than 10 years and you're travelling to a risk area. If you're going to a country with polio exit requirements, having the vaccine documented is important — we'll advise on this at your appointment.

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Who should have a polio booster?

Being up to date with polio is important for travel to affected areas, particularly if you are:

Travelling to or through a country where polio still circulates
Staying for a longer period, or visiting friends and relatives
Travelling to areas with poor sanitation
More than 10 years on from your last tetanus/diphtheria/polio booster

The combined Td/IPV booster and exit requirements

Polio is conveniently combined with tetanus and diphtheria in a single injection (Td/IPV). For most travellers a booster is only needed if it's been more than 10 years and they're going to a risk area.

Some polio-affected countries require travellers staying longer than four weeks to show proof of vaccination — usually given within the previous 12 months — when they leave. We'll check the latest advice for your destination and make sure your vaccination is properly documented.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild and settle quickly:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Headache or tiredness
A mildly raised temperature
Serious reactions are very rare

Beyond the vaccine: food and water hygiene

As polio can spread through contaminated food and water, good hygiene helps protect you and others:

Drink only bottled, boiled or properly treated water and avoid ice of unknown origin
Eat freshly cooked food served hot
Wash your hands well before eating and after using the toilet
Keep your vaccination record with your travel documents

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