Vaccinations and Prevention
The best protection against polio is getting vaccinated. It’s safe, effective, and recommended for both children and adults.
Adults
Some adults may still need the polio vaccine, even if they were vaccinated as children.
- If you’ve never been vaccinated or didn’t finish the full course, you should complete the full course.
- If you were fully vaccinated, a single booster dose might be recommended if you’re at higher risk, for example if you’re planning to travel to a country with polio or working in certain jobs.
Speak to your GP to check if you need a booster or catch-up dose. To check if you need a polio vaccine to travel abroad visit the NHS Fit for Travel website: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations
Children
The polio vaccine in the UK is part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination schedule and is given at:
- 8, 12, and 16 weeks old – as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine
- 3 years and 4 months – as part of the 4-in-1 pre-school booster
- Around 14 years old – as part of the 3-in-1 teenage booster (usually given at school)
If your child has missed a dose, or you’re unsure, you should contact your GP.