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OXFORD'S LEADING TRAVEL VACCINATION CLINIC

Polio Vaccination Oxford

Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects children under the age of 5. It can cause paralysis and, in some cases, can be life-threatening, making vaccination against polio a crucial step in protecting oneself and preventing the spread of the disease during travel.

Polio Vaccination pricing & Dose Schedule 

* Once the full vaccination schedule is completed, you will develop a certain level of immunity; however, it is important to note that the vaccine achieves its maximum effectiveness when given sufficient time to activate in the body.

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OXFORD'S PREMIER TRAVEL VACCINATION CLINIC

Book your Polio Vaccine today

Reach out to our clinics directly to schedule your vaccination appointment. Our healthcare professionals will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polio?

Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, most commonly in the legs. Polio is usually transmitted through contact with infected faecal matter, contaminated water, or respiratory droplets from an infected person.

 

The majority of polio infections are asymptomatic or result in mild symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle stiffness. However, in a small percentage of cases, the virus can invade the central nervous system, causing paralysis and potentially life-threatening complications. Children under the age of five are particularly susceptible to polio infection.

 

The global initiative to eradicate polio has made significant progress in reducing the number of polio cases worldwide. Today, polio remains endemic in only a few countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, it is crucial for travellers to be aware of the risk of polio in regions where the disease is still present or where there have been recent outbreaks. Vaccination against polio is highly effective in preventing the infection and is an essential part of routine childhood immunisations. For travellers, ensuring that their polio vaccinations are up-to-date is important, especially when visiting areas with a history of polio or regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.

How can you contract Polio?

Polio is primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route, meaning it spreads through contact with the faeces of an infected person. The virus can enter the body through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. In areas with poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene practices, the virus can easily contaminate water sources and food, increasing the risk of transmission.

 

Polio can also be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These tiny droplets can be inhaled by individuals in close proximity, leading to the transmission of the virus. Additionally, the virus can be present in the throat and intestinal secretions of an infected person, making direct contact with these secretions a potential mode of transmission.

 

Travellers visiting regions where polio is still endemic or experiencing outbreaks are at higher risk of contracting the virus. Areas with low vaccination rates and inadequate sanitation pose a greater risk for polio transmission. It is important for travellers to ensure they are up-to-date with their polio vaccination and follow good hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap and water, to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the disease.

 

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against polio, and travellers should consult with healthcare professionals or travel clinics to assess their vaccination status and receive appropriate vaccinations before traveling to polio-affected regions.

Symptoms of Polio

Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a viral infection that primarily affects the nervous system. The symptoms of polio can vary, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to more severe paralysis. Here is a brief explanation of the symptoms:

 

Asymptomatic or mild symptoms: Many people infected with the poliovirus may not experience any symptoms or only have mild symptoms. These can include fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. These mild symptoms often resolve within a few days.

 

Non-paralytic polio: In some cases, polio can cause more severe symptoms that do not involve paralysis. This type of polio, known as non-paralytic polio, can cause stiffness in the neck, back, and limbs. It can also result in muscle pain and sensitivity to touch.

 

Paralytic polio: The most severe form of polio is paralytic polio, which occurs in a small percentage of infected individuals. It can lead to muscle weakness, loss of muscle reflexes, and paralysis. Paralysis can affect various parts of the body, including the legs, arms, and breathing muscles. In severe cases, it can cause permanent disability or even be life-threatening if the muscles involved in breathing are affected.

 

It's important to note that the majority of polio infections are asymptomatic or result in mild symptoms. However, for those who develop more severe symptoms, prompt medical attention is crucial. Polio has been largely eradicated globally through vaccination efforts, but in areas where polio is still prevalent, vaccination is essential for protection against the virus.

How is Polio treated?

There is no cure for polio, but treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Here are the main approaches to the treatment of polio:

 

Symptomatic treatment: Supportive care is provided to manage the symptoms and complications of polio. This includes bed rest, pain relievers to alleviate muscle pain and discomfort, and physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and mobility. Assistive devices like braces, crutches, or wheelchairs may be used to aid mobility.

 

Respiratory support: In severe cases of polio where the muscles involved in breathing are affected, respiratory support may be required. This can involve the use of ventilators or respiratory assistance devices to help with breathing.

 

Prevention of complications: Preventing complications associated with polio is crucial. This includes monitoring and treating respiratory infections promptly, maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent secondary infections, and addressing issues such as swallowing difficulties or speech problems.

 

Polio vaccines: The most effective way to prevent polio is through vaccination. Vaccines such as the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) are used to immunise individuals and prevent polio infection. Routine vaccination and maintaining high vaccine coverage in communities are essential for polio eradication efforts.

 

It's important to note that polio is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the primary strategy for addressing polio is through vaccination campaigns aimed at achieving high population immunity. The use of polio vaccines has been successful in reducing the number of polio cases worldwide, and ongoing efforts continue to work towards global polio eradication.

How to prevent Polio?

Polio can be prevented through vaccination and implementing proper hygiene practices. Here are some key measures to prevent polio:

 

  1. Polio vaccination: The most effective way to prevent polio is through vaccination. Routine immunisation with polio vaccines is recommended for all children. The two main types of vaccines used are the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). It is important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule and ensure that children receive all the required doses.
     

  2. Maintain high vaccine coverage: To prevent the spread of polio, it is crucial to achieve and maintain high vaccine coverage rates in the population. This helps to establish herd immunity, protecting individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as those with weakened immune systems.
     

  3. Practice good hygiene: Proper hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of polio transmission. This includes regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before handling food, and after coming into contact with an infected person. Encourage the use of clean and safe drinking water, and avoid consuming food or beverages from potentially contaminated sources.

Countries that have Polio?

Polio remains endemic in two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. These countries have ongoing transmission of the poliovirus and continue to report cases of polio. However, it is important to note that efforts are underway to eradicate polio globally, and significant progress has been made in reducing the number of polio-endemic countries.

 

Additionally, polio cases can occur in countries that are considered polio-free due to the importation of the virus from endemic regions or through vaccine-derived poliovirus. In some instances, outbreaks of vaccine-derived polio have been reported in several countries.

 

It is crucial to stay informed about the polio situation in different regions and follow the recommendations of health authorities and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). These organisations provide up-to-date information on the global polio situation and any travel advisories related to polio-endemic or high-risk areas.

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