Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Polio Vaccine

Polio Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Polio

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a disease of the central nervous system that can lead to paralysis, sometimes permanently. The virus is primarily transmitted through food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person, or through direct contact with an infected individual. While polio has been eradicated in much of the world due to successful vaccination programmes, cases still occur in some countries across Africa and Asia, where transmission continues in areas with lower immunisation coverage and limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Vaccination Pricing

£39 Per dose
£39 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Most individuals (about 95 percent) who acquire polio do not develop symptoms. When they do occur symptoms may range from a mild illness with fever, to symptoms of meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) or paralysis.

Prevention

An effective vaccination against polio is available. In addition to vaccination travellers should ensure good personal hygiene and follow advice on prevention of food and water-borne diseases.

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
6 – 85 1 – Up to day before* 10 years

*Vaccine most effective when given enough time to become active. Some immunity will be provided for your travels if it’s given up to the day before travel.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a life-threatening and highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily targets the nervous system, where it can cause irreversible damage leading to paralysis, particularly in the legs. In the most severe cases, polio can affect the muscles used for breathing, resulting in respiratory failure and death. While many infections are silent, without noticeable symptoms, the virus can still be passed on and infect others, which makes it particularly dangerous in under-immunised populations. Due to successful global vaccination efforts, polio has been eliminated from most of the world, yet it remains endemic in a small number of countries and continues to pose a risk in areas with low vaccine coverage or disrupted healthcare systems.

Polio is spread through the faecal-oral route, typically by ingesting food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. It may also spread, though less commonly, via respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. The virus thrives in areas where sanitation and hygiene are poor, making it a significant concern in regions lacking clean water and adequate sewage systems. The most effective method of prevention is through immunisation. The polio vaccine—either inactivated (IPV) or oral (OPV)—stimulates the immune system to protect against the virus. In addition to vaccination, good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, safe food preparation, and drinking clean water help reduce transmission, especially when travelling to areas with ongoing transmission.

Polio presents in various forms, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe paralytic disease. Around 70–90% of infected individuals experience no symptoms at all, while about 25% develop mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, nausea, and stomach pain. In a small number of cases—roughly 1 in 200—the virus invades the central nervous system, causing more serious issues such as muscle weakness, stiffness, and acute flaccid paralysis, most often in the legs. In rare but severe cases, the muscles that control breathing may become paralysed, which can be fatal without immediate medical support. Years after recovery, some individuals may develop post-polio syndrome, a condition marked by progressive muscle weakness and fatigue. Because of the potential severity, early detection and supportive care are essential, but prevention through vaccination is by far the best defence.

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), used in the UK, provides long-term, often lifelong, protection after a full course is completed. The routine schedule includes doses at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, with booster doses at 3 years 4 months and again at 14 years. After this, most people are considered fully immunised. However, for adults travelling to countries with active polio transmission, a single booster dose may be recommended if more than 10 years have passed since the last dose. This precaution helps ensure immunity remains robust, particularly for those working in healthcare, humanitarian aid, or areas with limited sanitation. The oral polio vaccine (OPV), used in some other countries, also provides strong protection but carries a very small risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus in under-immunised communities.

Polio vaccination is essential for travellers visiting or staying in areas where the disease is still present or where outbreaks have recently occurred. As of now, wild poliovirus remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In addition, several countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia have experienced outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). In response, some nations require proof of recent polio vaccination (within 12 months) for entry or exit, especially for long-term stays. Countries with polio-related travel requirements may change, so it is crucial to check the latest travel health advice and entry regulations well in advance. The World Health Organization regularly updates the list of affected countries, and a polio booster may be advised for at-risk travellers even if they completed their childhood vaccination course.

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), routinely used in the UK and many other countries, is considered extremely safe. Most side effects are minor and short-lived, typically involving mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. A low-grade fever or slight fatigue may also occur. These reactions usually resolve within a couple of days without treatment. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare. The oral polio vaccine (OPV), still used in some parts of the world, is also generally safe but carries a very small risk of causing vaccine-derived polio, particularly in areas with low immunisation rates. Because of this, IPV is preferred in countries with high vaccine coverage. Overall, the benefits of polio vaccination—in terms of personal protection and global disease eradication—vastly outweigh the risks of side effects. Maintaining up-to-date vaccination is vital for both individual health and wider public safety, particularly when travelling to areas with ongoing transmission.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

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The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at Malvern Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

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Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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