Polio Vaccinations

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

The NHS is inviting children aged 1 to 9 in Hillingdon to receive a dose of a vaccine against polio. For some children this will be an additional booster dose if they are already up to date with their routine vaccinations, in others who are not up to date it will be a catch-up dose.

Polio is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system – it can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. It is rare but can be very serious for unvaccinated people.

Traces of poliovirus have been found in sewage in some London boroughs, and the best way to protect your child is to make sure they are fully up to date with vaccinations. Both the booster dose and routine vaccination will increase your child’s protection.

Parents of children aged 1 to 9 will be contacted to book a vaccination appointment for their child. The Vaccine has been safely used in millions of children and will give them a high level of protection from poliovirus.

• You can find more information about polio and the vaccination programme on the government website
• You may book a polio vaccination appoinment for your child at Yiewsley Health Centre

Published: Aug 23, 2022