Children aged 1 to 9 years: Have your polio vaccine now!

The polio vaccine is available for children aged 1 to 9 years now!

Who is being offered a polio booster?

All children aged 1 to 9 years in London need to have a dose of polio vaccine now. For some children, this may be an extra dose of the polio vaccine, on top of their routine vaccinations. In other children, it may just bring them up to date.

Why is my child being offered a polio booster?

Since February 2022, we have found a type 2 polio virus in sewage samples taken from north London. This suggests that the virus is now spreading between people. This has probably happened because vaccine uptake for the infant and toddler vaccinations in London is lower than it should be.

By giving an extra polio vaccine dose we aim to boost each child’s protection, starting with the areas of London where the virus has been detected. Boosting immunity in those who are already vaccinated should also help to reduce the risk of the virus continuing to spread.

How can my child get the polio booster?

The NHS will contact you to ask you to book an appointment for your child’s polio vaccine.

Please view the following leaflet for more information: