Polio – immunisation

Polio, also known as Poliomyelitis , is a highly contagious viral infection, that can cause paralysis and death. The poliovirus is spread when food, water or hands that are contaminated with the faeces (poo), or the throat or nasal secretions of an infected person enter the mouth of an uninfected person.

Most people infected with polio do not have any symptoms. Others may present with a non-specific febrile illness (symptoms may include fever, tiredness, headaches, muscles stiffness, nausea and vomiting). Less than 1% of people infected with poliovirus develop severe muscle weakness, also known as acute flaccid paralysis.

Polio can be prevented with immunisation. All children and adults should receive a full course of polio vaccines, and remain up to date with booster doses

Serious side effects or allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare. If you are concerned about your reaction or your child’s reaction to any vaccine, see your doctor immediately.

Immunisation and global polio eradication

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative aims to eliminate all cases of polio around the world. It is a global public health plan, with immunisation as an important part of the program. The entire western Pacific region, including Australia, has been declared polio-free since 2000,but the disease remains a health risk for travellers to some countries of the world. Since 1986, the only new case of polio in Australia was reported in July 2007. This person was a traveller who acquired his infection in Pakistan. If Australians are not immunised, polio could again become a problem in this country.

Immunisation against polio

Immunisation is the best protection against polio and is recommended for all infants, children and adults.

Immunisation against polio is available free of charge under the National Immunisation Program Schedule for:

• infants at 2, 4 and 6 months – immunisation in the form of a diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine (six-in-one vaccine)
• children at four years – a booster dose in the form of a diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio vaccine (four-in-one vaccine)
• young people up to 20 years of age who missed childhood immunisation
• refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age if they did not receive the vaccines in childhood and it is recommended to receive the vaccine.

In Victoria, immunisation against polio is also free for certain people who missed vaccination during their period of eligibility.

Polio immunisation for adults

All adults should make sure that they have been vaccinated against polio. Adults receiving the polio vaccine for the first time should have a course of three injections with an interval of four weeks between the doses. If you have not received at least three doses of polio vaccine, speak to your doctor about catch-up doses.

Adults do not need a booster dose unless they are at special risk. You are at risk and should arrange with your doctor to get a booster if you:

• intend to travel to areas where polio is present – check with your doctor if you are travelling outside of Australia, especially to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• are a laboratory worker likely to handle laboratory specimens that contain live poliovirus.
• healthcare workers who may have contact with people with polio.

Vaccination is recommended every 10 years for adults at higher risk of exposure to polio.

If you are travelling overseas, speak to your doctor before you go about whether you need a booster polio immunisation for the countries you are visiting.

Pre-immunisation checklist

Before receiving the vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if you (or your child):

• are unwell
• have a fever (temperature over 38.5 °C)
• have allergies to any other medicines or substances
• have had a serious reaction to any vaccine
• have had a serious reaction to any component of the vaccine
• have had a severe allergy to anything
• are pregnant.

Side effects of polio vaccines

Immunisations containing the vaccine against polio are effective and safe, although all medications can have unwanted side effects.

Side effects from polio vaccines are uncommon and usually mild and temporary (occurring in the first few days after vaccination). They may include:

• muscle aches
• localised pain, redness, itchiness and swelling at the injection site (usually for one to two days)
• occasionally, an injection-site lump (nodule) that may last many weeks – treatment is not needed
• low-grade temperature (fever)
• children can be unsettled, irritable, cry, are generally unhappy, drowsy and tired.

Specific treatment is not usually required. However, treatment options that can reduce the side effects of the polio vaccine include:

• giving extra fluids to drink and not overdressing if there is a fever
• although routine use of paracetamol after vaccination is not recommended, if pain or fever is present, paracetamol can be given. Check the label for the correct dose or speak with your pharmacist, (especially when giving paracetamol to children).

Concerns about immunisation side effects

If the side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about yourself or your child’s condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital.

Immunisation side effects should be reported to SAEFVIC, the Victorian vaccine safety service.

It is also important to seek medical advice if you (or your child) are unwell, as this may be due to other illness rather than because of the vaccination.

Immunisation and HALO

The immunisations you may need are decided by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Together, these factors are referred to as HALO.

Talk to your doctor or immunisation provider if you think you or someone in your care has health, age, lifestyle or occupation factors that could mean immunisation is necessary. You can check your immunisation HALO using the Immunisation for Life infographic.

More information

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Emergency department of your nearest hospital
• Virtual Emergency Care
• Urgent Care Clinics - when immediate healthcare is needed but it's not life threatening
• Local government immunisation service
• Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours) Tel. 132 229
• Nurse-on-CallTel. 1300 60 60 24 for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Immunisation Program, Department of Health, Victorian Government Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
• Smartraveller.gov.au, Australian Government Tel. 1300 555 135 (from within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)
• National Immunisation Hotline Tel. 1800 671 811
• SAEFVIC Tel. 1300 882 924 (option 1)
• Community Pharmacist Program – receive some treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor for a prescription in Victoria