Polio Vaccine
Polio is a fatal viral infection that is vaccine-preventable. As a result of regular immunisation programmes, Polio is uncommon presently. However, travellers can get a Polio vaccine in Brighton at Coldean Pharmacy for guaranteed protection while travelling.
Although some individuals may be asymptomatic after infection, some suffer from either temporary or permanent life-threatening paralysis. Since polio is incurable, it’s advisable that everyone gets a full polio vaccination before travelling overseas.
Symptoms of Polio
Most individuals don’t show any symptoms after a polio infection. Consequently, they will fight off the disease without knowing it.
However, some will show symptoms flu-like symptoms 3 to 21 days after exposure. These symptoms include:
– Sore throat
– Headache
– Aching Muscles
– High temperatures
– Abdominal pain
– Feeling unwell
These symptoms usually go away within one week. Nonetheless, in rare cases, polio affects the spinal nerves and the base of the brain. This leads to paralysis, mostly in the legs, that progresses over a few hours or even days.
Where is polio found?
Routine immunisation schemes have effectively eradicated the poliovirus in most areas around the world. This includes America and Europe.
However, polio is still a threat in other places including Afghanistan and Pakistan. To confirm if the country you are travelling to is a high risk for polio, visit the country guide on the Travel Health Pro website.
Polio vaccine in Brighton
The routine NHS routine childhood vaccination programme provides the polio vaccine.
Administration of the vaccine is done in five separate doses by injection. The doses are given at:
– 8, 12, and 16 weeks – as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine
– 3 and 4 years – as part of the 4-in-1 (DTaP/IPV) pre-school booster
– 14 years – as part of the 3-in-1 (Td/IPV) teenage booster
If you are planning to travel to a polio high-risk area or country, get in touch for a booking or to get more information on the polio vaccine today!