What should you know about polio and measles vaccine?

Polio can damage the nervous system and may cause weakness or paralysis. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can bring fever, cough, rash and complications. Protection is commonly delivered through combination childhood vaccines, while the exact product and schedule depend on age, previous doses, health history and local guidance.

A vaccine trains immune memory without causing the disease it is designed to prevent. Protection is strongest when the recommended course is completed. Vaccination also helps reduce the chance of passing infection to babies and people whose immune systems cannot respond normally.

Check your vaccination record before booking. Tell the clinician about previous vaccine reactions, immune-system conditions, pregnancy or medicines that affect immunity. Bring records if doses were given in another country; the clinician can decide whether a dose is due rather than repeating an uncertain history automatically.

After vaccination, a sore arm, tiredness or a mild fever can occur. Rest, drink fluids and use only medicines your clinician recommends. Keep the appointment details and ask when the next dose or review is needed.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, severe dizziness or a rapidly spreading allergic rash after vaccination. These can signal a serious reaction and need prompt assessment.

Contact a clinician if a fever is persistent, a reaction is worsening, or you are worried about a child’s condition. A new fever or rash after an exposure should be assessed because measles can spread before its cause is clear; see [Measles](/conditions/measles/) and [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) for related guidance.

Ask which polio and measles-containing vaccine is appropriate, how many doses your record shows, whether another dose is due, and what precautions apply to your health conditions or medicines. You can arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) or read about [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/).