Topic: Polio and immunisation
Description
Poliomyelitis (or polio) is an illness caused by polioviruses. The viruses can infect the cells of the central nervous system causing paralysis. Following the introduction of polio vaccine, there has been a dramatic decrease in polio infection in Australia. In 2000, Australia was certified as polio free by the World Health Organization. However, until polio is eradicated from the rest of the world, it is still important for Australia to maintain high vaccination rates as there is an ongoing risk of polio being imported from other countries.
There is no specific treatment for polio. Treatment usually focuses on the complications of the disease.
Practical Advice
Immunisation
Immunisation against polio is recommended as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule and the vaccine is available free for:
- all children at 2, 4 and 6 months of age and a booster at 4 years of age.
The polio vaccine for children is given as one injection combined with other childhood vaccines.
For adults, booster doses are not generally needed unless you are travelling to countries where polio is present.
It is important that all recommended doses of the vaccine are received at the recommended times, if it is to be fully effective.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are minor, last a short time and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Possible side effects of polio vaccine may include soreness and redness where the injection was given, fever, crying and decreased appetite. More serious side effects are extremely rare.
Contact your immunisation provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination which you consider serious or unexpected.
Pre-vaccination checklist
This checklist helps your doctor/nurse decide about vaccinating you or your child.
Please tell your doctor/nurse if the person about to be vaccinated:
- is unwell today
- has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS) or is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- has had a severe reaction following any vaccine
- has any severe allergies (to anything)
- has had any vaccine in the past month
- has had an injection of immunoglobulin, or received any blood products or a whole blood transfusion within the past year
- is pregnant
- has a past history of Guillain-Barr syndrome
- was a preterm infant
- has a chronic illness
- has a bleeding disorder.
A different vaccine schedule may be recommended if the person to be vaccinated:
- identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- does not have a functioning spleen
- is planning a pregnancy or anticipating parenthood
- is a parent, grandparent or carer of a newborn
- lives with someone who has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS), or lives with someone who is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).
Care after vaccination
- For redness or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress.
- To lower temperature or relieve discomfort, paracetamol may be given.
- If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- If any reaction occurs that you consider serious or unexpected, seek medical advice.
- Contact the service provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination.
Where can I be immunised?
You can be immunised at your local doctor or medical centre. Some councils, community child health and community health centres hold free immunisation clinics. Check with them for details.
Other Resources
For further information please contact:
- your doctor
- your nearest population health unit
- 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811.
Immunise Australia
A website about childhood immunisation produced by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Information about communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases.
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR)
A website about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), produced by Medicare Australia.
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
Related Content
Poliomyelitis (polio) fact sheet
National Health and Medical Research Council, 2008. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Ed.)
Last updated: 21st April, 2009
Review Date: 24th March, 2010
