Poliomyelitis or polio (infantile paralysis)

Polio is a disease caused by a virus, of which there are three known types. This virus is transmitted through the faeces of infected individuals. Polio can be mild and simply cause diarrhoea. However, it can also cause severe and lasting muscle paralysis. If the respiratory muscles are affected, it can be fatal.

Vaccination provides complete protection against all three types of polio virus.

Vaccination method

The injectable vaccine (IPV) is available in a combination form that combines vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib, polio and hepatitis B (D, T, aP, Hib, IPV, HepB). For boosters, from the age of five, the vaccine is also available in a combination form combining diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio (d, T, aP, IPV).

• Vaccination: 2 months, 4 months, 11 months
• Booster: 5-6 years, 15-16 years, then every 10 years