Protect your children against Polio

Polio is still spreading in London and children who have not been vaccinated are vulnerable. As many people gather with friends and family at this time of year, the risk of spread is even greater.

If your child is aged 1-9 years in London, they may need an additional dose of the polio vaccine to keep them protected from serious illness. Polio can result in lifelong paralysis and other disabilities, and in some cases, even death. Further detections of the poliovirus in London’s sewage shows that polio is still a risk.

There is no cure for polio, immunisation is the only protection.

The injected polio vaccines used in the UK do not contain porcine gelatine or other porcine products in the final vaccine. If your child is aged 1-9 years in London, they need an additional dose of the polio vaccine to keep them protected.

Visit nhs.uk/polio-sites now to find local vaccination services or speak to your GP. Many vaccination sites offer walk-in services (you don’t need to make an appointment); and at others you can book online or by phone.

Vaccination services may pause during Christmas, so book your vaccination before 23 December 2022.