What should you know about polio virus vaccine?

Vaccination prepares immune defences before exposure. Depending on the programme, protection may be given through an inactivated vaccine injection or an oral vaccine. The recommended product and schedule depend on age, previous doses, local policy and travel or outbreak advice.

Vaccination protects the individual and makes community spread harder. It does not treat established paralysis, and it cannot replace urgent assessment of new weakness. A person who has missed doses may still be able to complete a catch-up schedule.

Bring the vaccination record to a clinic and tell the healthcare professional about previous reactions, current illness, immune-system conditions, medicines, pregnancy or a planned journey. Keep appointments aligned with the schedule provided by local services, and ask how to replace a missing record.

A sore arm, mild fever or tiredness can occur after vaccination. Follow the clinic's aftercare advice and remain where staff recommend if observation is needed. Do not delay advice for a severe or unusual reaction.

Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, or another rapid severe reaction after vaccination. Separately, sudden weakness, difficulty walking, swallowing trouble or breathing difficulty needs urgent assessment because these can signal neurological illness.

Ask which polio vaccine is recommended, how many doses remain in the schedule, and whether travel or a medical condition changes the timing.