What should you know about getting the polio vaccine?

Poliovirus can spread through contaminated hands, food or water and may cause illness affecting the nervous system. Vaccination prepares immune defences before exposure and helps reduce transmission in communities. The recommended product and schedule can differ by age, country of residence, previous records and whether a person is travelling to an area where polio is circulating. [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) includes vaccination planning for children.

Bring any immunisation record to the appointment and tell the clinician about previous reactions, current illness, allergies and medicines that affect immunity. If a child has missed a dose, the clinic can review the record and plan catch-up doses rather than restarting without assessment. Travellers should arrange advice early because a schedule may need to fit the departure date and destination requirements. After vaccination, remain at the clinic for the observation period they recommend.

Mild soreness, redness or fever can occur after vaccination. Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, collapse or marked weakness after an injection. Contact the vaccination service if fever persists, symptoms are severe, or you are unsure whether a reaction needs review.

Ask which polio vaccine is suitable, how your previous doses affect the plan, whether travel changes the timing, and what to do if the vaccination record is incomplete.