Polio and routine childhood vaccination catch-up
Our vaccination teams and GP surgeries are contacting parents of children who are not up to date with polio vaccination to invite them to boost their protection against the disease.
As we review immunisation records, we will also invite children who need to catch up with other routine vaccinations to come forward to receive them.
Catching up with polio vaccinations
Polio is a serious disease which mainly affects children under five. In some cases, it can be life threatening. Polio is now very rare because of an effective vaccination programme.
The risk of contracting polio in North Wales is very low. But in recent months, poliovirus has been detected in waste water from sewage samples in London. To continue to protect children across North Wales from polio, we want to invite children who are not up to date with polio vaccinations to boost their defences against the disease.
High polio vaccination rates help to protect all children in North Wales.
We are now reviewing child immunisation records to identify children who are not fully protected against polio and are inviting those who need additional vaccinations to come forward to receive them. If you have been contacted, it could be because your child has missed a dose of a polio or other vaccine.
About polio vaccinations
All children are offered protection against polio as part of the routine vaccination schedule in Wales.
It is usually given in five doses:
- at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine
- at 3 years and 4 months of age as part of the 4-in-1 (DTaP/IPV) pre-school booster
- and at 14 years of age as part of the 3-in-1 (Td/IPV) teenage booster
Having each dose as soon as it is offered will help your child get the best possible protection.
If you do not think your child is fully protected against polio, you can contact your health visitor or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Catching up with childhood vaccinations
If your child is not up-to-date with their vaccines, you can always contact your health visitor or GP surgery to book a catch-up appointment.
As we review immunisation records, we will also invite parents whose children need to catch up with other routine vaccinations and receive them.