Polio
A virus spread through contaminated food and water that can cause paralysis. Adults travelling to countries with ongoing polio risk may need a one-time booster.
What it is
Polio is a virus that can cause paralysis, sometimes permanent. Most infections are mild, but a small number lead to lasting damage.
How it spreads
Through food, water, or hands contaminated with the stool of an infected person. It can also spread through coughs and sneezes.
Dosing & timing
- Primary series
- Most adults completed this in childhood.
- Boosters
- A single lifetime adult booster for travellers to at-risk countries.
- Before you travel
- For some destinations, the booster must be received between 4 weeks and 12 months before departure and recorded on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Who should consider it
Most adults are protected from childhood. CDC recommends a one-time adult booster for travellers heading to countries where polio is still circulating — currently a small number of countries in Africa and Asia, with Afghanistan and Pakistan as the only places where wild polio is still endemic.
Countries where CDC recommends this
Click any country for its full vaccine list.
Recommended for some travellers
Side effects and safety
Common (most resolve in a day or two)
- Soreness where the shot was given
- Mild fever
Serious but rare
- Severe allergic reaction (very rare)
Who should not get it
Skip it if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine ingredient.
Common questions
Do I really need a polio booster as an adult?
Only if you are travelling to a country with active polio risk. Your doctor can check the current list before your trip.
Why do I need a certificate?
Some countries require travellers to show proof of recent polio vaccination on arrival or departure to stop the virus crossing borders.
Is polio still a real risk?
Cases are rare, but ongoing outbreaks in a few countries mean travellers heading there should be protected.
Plan ahead: Talk to a travel health doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure to check whether your destination requires a polio booster and certificate.
Source: CDC — Polio.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.