• Aug 04, 2025

Polio: Your questions answered

What is Polio?

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which mainly affects children under the age of 5. The virus can cause lifelong paralysis and, in severe cases, can be fatal.

How do children get infected with Polio?

Children can contract polio if they are not fully vaccinated. The virus spreads through contaminated hands, food, or water, often due to poor hand hygiene.

Who is at risk of getting Polio?

Children aged 0-5 who are not fully vaccinated are at the highest risk of contracting polio.

Can Polio be cured?

No, there is no cure for polio. However, it can be prevented through multiple doses of polio vaccines.

What are the symptoms of Polio?

Symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headaches, vomiting, and weakness or paralysis in the limbs (arms and legs).

How is Polio spread?

Polio spreads through contact with the stool of an infected person, usually due to poor hygiene practices such as not washing hands properly or consuming contaminated food and water.

How can Polio be prevented?

Polio can be prevented by vaccinating children at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks at health facilities. Additionally, children should be vaccinated during Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) campaigns.

Is the Polio vaccine safe?

Yes, the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and has no side effects. It is important to administer multiple doses to ensure a child’s immunity is strong enough to protect them against polio.

Is it safe to administer multiple doses of the Polio vaccine?

Yes, it is safe. Each additional dose further strengthens a child's immunity. Children must receive multiple doses for full protection.

What should I do if I suspect a case of Polio (Acute Flaccid Paralysis)?

If you notice sudden weakness or paralysis in a child’s limbs, report the case immediately to the nearest health facility or call 117. Early detection is key to preventing the spread of polio.

What happens during a Polio vaccination campaign?

During a campaign, vaccinators will visit homes and administer the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), consisting of two drops in the mouth. All children under 5, including those who are sick or sleeping, should be vaccinated.

Do children need the vaccine if they’ve already received their routine doses?

Yes, children should still receive the vaccine during SIA campaigns, even if they’ve completed their routine vaccinations. These additional doses do not replace routine immunization but provide extra protection.

What should I do if my child is traveling during a campaign?

If your child is traveling, they should be vaccinated at their destination or at cross-border entry points to ensure they are protected.

Is the Polio vaccine free?

Yes, all polio vaccinations for children under 5 years of age are free of charge, including during SIA campaigns.

What should I do if I have concerns or hear rumors about the Polio vaccine?

Verifying information from trusted sources and participating in vaccination campaigns is important to protect your child’s health. Consult a trusted health worker or community leader for accurate information if you have concerns or encounter rumors. The polio vaccine has been proven to be safe and is the best way to protect children from this dangerous disease.

For more information, contact your nearest health facility or follow our social media for updates on polio vaccination campaigns.

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