28 June 2022
Parents in Jersey are being reminded to ensure their children get their polio vaccinations following detection of the virus in London sewers.
The polio vaccine is given alongside routine immunisations at eight, 12, and 16 weeks old, with boosters at three years and four months, and 13 or 14 years old.
Most people who get polio do not show symptoms and won't know they are infected. Some may get flu like symptoms and a small number may suffer muscle paralysis, particularly in the legs and in muscles used for breathing.
Jersey's polio vaccine uptake has remained above the World Health Organisation's (WHO) target of 95% since 2008. In 2020, 98% of one-year-olds had received a version of the vaccine.
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: "While the threat of polio is very low, it is vital that children are vaccinated against the virus and that parents take up the offer of all routine childhood vaccinations.
"We are committed to global eradication of polio and vaccination remains the best way to prevent infection and protect yourselves and others."
Those that are unsure of their child's vaccination status, or who know that they have not had the polio vaccine, should contact their GP.
gov.je