Vaccination Services - Poliomyelitis

Polio has been eliminated from Australia for decades, but it has not been eradicated everywhere, and a few countries still report cases. Routine childhood vaccination keeps Australia protected, and some adults, particularly travellers, need a booster.

What is polio, and the vaccine?

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a viral disease that, in a small proportion of cases, attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis. Thanks to vaccination, Australia is polio-free, but global eradication is not yet complete. The vaccine used in Australia is the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), given as part of routine childhood combination vaccines and as boosters where needed. It does not contain live virus.

Who is it for?

Polio vaccination is part of the routine childhood schedule, free under the National Immunisation Program, and most Australians are protected from childhood. The main reason an adult needs a polio dose is travel to a country where polio remains a risk, where a booster may be recommended (and sometimes required for entry or exit). Certain workers (for example, some laboratory or healthcare staff) may also need to keep polio cover current. Adult boosters are often given as a combined dTpa-polio vaccine.

Getting it at a pharmacy

Trained pharmacist immunisers may provide polio-containing boosters (often the combined dTpa-polio) to adults, subject to state and territory rules and stock, so phone ahead. The pharmacist screens you, gives the vaccine, observes you for around 15 minutes, and records it on the Australian Immunisation Register. Children on the routine schedule are vaccinated through a GP or clinic.

For travellers

If you are travelling to a region where polio is a risk, check official travel-health advice (Smartraveller and the Immunisation Handbook) well before you go, since some countries require proof of recent polio vaccination, and timing matters. A pharmacy travel-health consultation can sort polio cover along with other recommended travel vaccines so you are protected and have the right documentation.

Safety

IPV has a strong safety record. Common side effects are mild: a sore arm and sometimes a low fever. Tell the pharmacist about severe allergies, past reactions, pregnancy, or current illness.

How it’s regulated in Australia

Polio (IPV) vaccine is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and funded under the National Immunisation Program for the childhood schedule; adult and travel boosters may be private. Pharmacist immunisers administer under state and territory rules and record doses on the Australian Immunisation Register, guided by the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Official sources

• Smartraveller: before you go (health)
• Australian Immunisation Handbook: poliomyelitis

Travelling somewhere polio is a risk? Sort your booster early. Use the button below to find a pharmacy offering polio vaccination near you.