Health encyclopaedia

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Prevention of Poliomyelitis

Polio is prevented by the DTaP/IPV/Hib (five-in-one) vaccine, which is given during childhood. It provides immunity to polio, as well as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Hib. The vaccine was introduced in the UK in 2004, and has been used in Canada since 1997.

Before the five-in-one vaccine, children were immunised against polio with an oral (taken by mouth) vaccine called Sabin. Although this is still available, the five-in-one vaccine provides a similar or better level of protection, and is the preferred form of immunisation.

Both types of vaccine work by releasing very small amounts (strains) of the virus into the body. These strains are too weak to produce disease, and are easily fought off by the body’s immune system. If you come into contact with the virus again, your body knows how to make antibodies to fight it off.

Vaccination is the reason that polio has almost disappeared in this country, and it’s very important that children continue to be vaccinated to stop the disease coming back.

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