You may have seen coverage in the media about the newly announced polio vaccination booster campaign by the NHS. This campaign is because the UK Health and Security Agency has detected polio in the sewage treatment works in London (it was previously eradicated in Europe in 2003).
Polio vaccinations form part of the routine immunisations schedule but due to the detection of polio in London the risk is now greater. Rarely, polio can lead to more serious symptoms that affect the brain and nerves, such as weakness in your muscles (paralysis), usually in the legs. This can happen over hours or days.
If your child is up to date with this routine course, then the NHS will be in touch to let you know how your child can get an additional dose.
If your child has not yet had all their routine polio vaccinations, they can get a catch-up dose at your GP surgery at any age. Please urgently contact your GP for an appointment, to get them protected them as soon as possible.
Children aged 5 to 9 years old who are eligible for an extra polio vaccine dose can get vaccinated at any vaccination site now.
If your child is aged 1 to 4 years old, your GP practice will contact you about booking a vaccination. Alternatively, UCLH will be offering appointments to 1 to 9 year olds from the 24th September. Details on how to book these appointments will be available on this website.