Poliomyelitis Vaccine

Service Description

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the poliovirus that spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. Most cases are asymptomatic, but severe infections can cause paralysis and death. This disease primarily affecting young children and Australia was declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation in 2000, but the virus remains in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Vaccination is crucial to prevent infection, especially for travellers to affected regions. The poliomyelitis vaccination is available on its own or as a combination vaccination. The combination vaccination also helps to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria and tetanus. Vaccination is recommended as follows: - Routine vaccination of infants and children - Adults who are traveling to polio-endemic areas (Afghanistan and Pakistan) - Healthcare workers or those in close contact with patients at risk of infection - Laboratory workers who may have contact with poliovirus - People who have not completed their polio vaccination course The Australian Government's National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides a free Polio vaccines to the following eligible Medicare card holders: - Children at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 4 years (not available in pharmacy) - People aged 20 years and under who have never received poliomyelitis vaccination - Refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age if they did not receive polio vaccination in childhood We can advise you of the vaccine that best suits you.