What should you know about mass polio vaccination?

Mass polio vaccination campaigns offer eligible children polio vaccine to reduce spread and protect people who cannot be fully protected. Campaign doses are part of a wider prevention programme and may be offered even when a child has received routine vaccines.

Polio is an infection that can spread between people, including through contaminated food or water. Many infections may not cause obvious illness, while some can affect the nervous system and movement. Campaigns reach children quickly in homes, schools, clinics or community locations, helping close gaps in routine immunisation. The exact age group, vaccine type and campaign dates depend on local public-health guidance.

Check the campaign information from your local health authority and take your child to the stated vaccination point if they are eligible. Bring the child’s immunisation record when available, and tell the vaccinator about serious previous reactions, current illness or conditions affecting immunity. Ask whether the campaign dose replaces or adds to a routine appointment; do not assume one dose completes the full schedule. Review [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) for routine vaccine planning.

Mild soreness, redness or a short-lived fever can occur after vaccination. Contact a healthcare professional if your child seems unusually unwell or you are worried about a reaction. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, or a rapidly spreading severe reaction after any vaccine. Follow the vaccinator’s instructions about observation and what to do next.

Ask whether your child is eligible, which polio vaccine is being offered, how it fits the routine schedule, what reactions to expect, and when the next immunisation is due.