Polio Vaccine in Ottawa
A single adult booster is recommended for travel to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other polio-affected regions. Make sure your childhood series is complete before you go.
What Is Polio?
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious viral disease affecting the nervous and muscular systems, transmitted mainly through fecally contaminated food or water. Humans are the only known reservoir. Wild poliovirus has been eradicated from most countries but continues to circulate in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Vaccine-derived polioviruses occasionally circulate in developing countries where oral polio vaccine has been used.
Most infections have no symptoms or are mild. However, in a small proportion of cases the virus invades the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis. No cure exists — prevention through vaccination is critical.
Who Needs It?
A single one-time adult booster is recommended for:
- Any adult traveller to Afghanistan, Pakistan, or other polio-affected countries who had a complete childhood series but no adult booster
- Hajj and Umra pilgrims from countries on defined polio-endemic or high-risk reimportation lists (required by Saudi Arabia)
- Long-stay visitors (>4 weeks) to polio-affected countries who are then travelling onward to other countries
- Adults who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated (full 3-dose series required)
- Travellers required to show proof of polio vaccination for entry into certain countries
Symptoms
Symptoms appear 3–21 days after exposure. Mild cases cause fever, sore throat, gastrointestinal upset, or influenza-like symptoms, with recovery within a week. More serious cases cause headache and stiffness of the neck, back, legs, throat, and chest muscles.
Consequences of Infection
Polio can result in difficulty swallowing and breathing, muscular disability, and permanent limb paralysis (especially in the legs). Fatal respiratory paralysis occurs in 2–75% of symptomatic cases. Complete recovery is rare once nervous or muscular system complications develop.
Vaccine Information
The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is used in Canada and the US. The childhood series is 4 doses (at ages 2, 4, and 6–18 months, then 4–6 years). Adults who completed the childhood series need only a single one-time booster before travel to risk areas. Previously unvaccinated adults require a full 3-dose series (at 0, 1–2, and 6–12 months; or accelerated at 0, 1, and 2 months if departure is imminent). Even a single dose provides meaningful protection. Combination vaccines including polio protection are also available.
Side Effects
Most common: mild injection-site reactions (pain, redness, and swelling). Serious adverse effects are very rare.
Note: Observe food and beverage precautions and thorough handwashing in polio-affected areas, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Check your vaccination records — many Canadian adults had childhood polio vaccines but never received an adult booster.
Ready to Protect Yourself Before You Travel?
Book a virtual consultation with an ISTM-certified physician — available 7 days a week. Vaccines administered at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy in Ottawa.