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PolioThe polio immunisation is given as drops in the mouth, in three doses: at 2, 3 and 4 months old. 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 effectsSide 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.
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