Currently the polio immunisation is given as drops in the mouth, in three doses: at 2, 3 and 4 months old. The government has announced plans to introduce a 5-in-one vaccination, called Pediacel, that will protect against polio, diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough and Hib, a bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis. The government says the 5-in1 jab is an improvement because it uses inactivated polio vaccine, removing the risk associated with use of the live vaccine.

Polio attacks the nervous system, causing muscle paralysis which can affect any part of the body. If it involves the breathing muscles, a child may have to be helped to breathe artificially and even then may die. If it affects the legs, they become weak or even paralysed - sometimes permanently. Polio no longer exists in the UK because of widespread immunisation, but it could still recur. Many families travel to countries where there is a risk of coming into contact with polio, and if they haven’t been immunised they can bring polio back with them.

Side effects for the baby are very rare. However, the polio vaccine given by mouth is a live virus and so it is passed into a baby’s nappies for up to 30 days after each dose. It’s very important to wash your hands after changing nappies to make sure you don’t become infected. If you think that you have not been immunised against polio, contact your doctor and arrange to be immunised at the same time as your baby. You should also check your polio immunisation with your doctor if you plan to travel abroad. However, the new 5-in-1 jab, see above, will remove the risk as it will no longer be given orally.

•   What is immunisation?
•   When vaccines are given
•   Should I have my child vaccinated?
•   Contraindications
•   Protection levels
•   Homeopathy
•   Natural immunity
•   Hib: the Hib form of meningitis
•   DTP: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)
•   MMR
•   BCG
•   Hepatitis B
•   Finding out more