Overview
Protects against poliovirus, which can cause irreversible paralysis. Transmitted via the faecal-oral route, predominantly in areas with poor sanitation.
Recommended for travellers to countries with circulating poliovirus (wild or vaccine-derived). As of 2024-2025, this includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and several countries in Africa with circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. A booster dose is recommended if more than 10 years since last polio-containing vaccine. Some countries require proof of polio vaccination for entry or exit.
Vaccination Schedule
Standard schedule: Primary course (if unvaccinated): 3 doses at 0, 1-2 months, and 6-12 months. Booster: single dose of IPV if more than 10 years since last dose and travelling to a polio-endemic or outbreak area.
Accelerated schedule: Minimum intervals: 4 weeks between each dose. Accelerated primary course: 0, 4 weeks, 8 weeks.
Route: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (IPV). Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is no longer used in Australia.
Brands Available in Australia (TGA-Registered)
- IPOL (Sanofi)
- Boostrix-IPV (GSK) — Combined dTpa + IPV
- Infanrix Hexa (GSK) — Combined DTaP-IPV-HepB-Hib (paediatric NIP)
- Infanrix-IPV (GSK) — Combined DTaP-IPV (paediatric)
Cost in Australia
Estimated cost: IPOL: $40-$60 per dose. Boostrix-IPV (combined dTpa + polio): $50-$75 per dose.
Medicare/PBS: Funded under NIP for infants and children (as part of combination vaccines at 2, 4, 6 months and 4 years). Adult booster for travel is not funded. Available on private prescription.
Efficacy & Duration
Efficacy: 99-100% seroprotection after 3-dose primary course
Three doses of IPV produce protective antibody levels against all three poliovirus serotypes in more than 99% of recipients. A booster dose in previously vaccinated adults restores protective antibody levels rapidly.
Duration of protection: Primary immunisation in childhood provides long-lasting protection. A single adult booster is considered sufficient for lifelong protection. Routine repeat boosters are not required unless travelling to endemic areas and more than 10 years since last dose.
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Injection site pain, redness | Common (10-50%) |
| Fever, fatigue, headache | Uncommon (1-10%) |
| Myalgia, nausea | Uncommon (1-10%) |
Contraindications
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component (including neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B)
- Severe illness (defer vaccination)
Special Populations
Pregnancy
Category B2. IPV is an inactivated vaccine and can be given in pregnancy if indicated. Recommended if a pregnant woman is travelling to a polio-endemic area.
Children
Part of the NIP for all Australian children as part of combination vaccines (Infanrix Hexa at 2, 4, 6 months; Infanrix-IPV at 4 years). Most Australian adults born after 1956 will have received polio vaccination in childhood.
Immunocompromised Travellers
IPV is safe for immunocompromised individuals (inactivated vaccine). Immune response may be reduced. Household contacts of immunocompromised persons should receive IPV (not OPV, which is no longer used in Australia).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a polio booster for travel?
If you are travelling to a country with circulating poliovirus and it has been more than 10 years since your last polio-containing vaccine, a booster is recommended. Key countries include Afghanistan, Pakistan, and several African nations with vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.
Which countries require polio vaccination?
Afghanistan and Pakistan require proof of polio vaccination for travellers. Several other countries with active outbreaks may require proof of vaccination on departure or entry. Requirements change frequently; check the WHO and Smartraveller for current requirements before travel.
Was I vaccinated against polio as a child in Australia?
If you were born in Australia after 1956, you almost certainly received polio vaccination as part of the childhood schedule. Check your immunisation history on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) through MyGov. If records are unavailable, a booster dose is safe to give.
Can I get the polio booster combined with other vaccines?
Yes. Boostrix-IPV combines dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) with polio in a single injection. This is a convenient option if you are also due for a dTpa booster, saving you an extra injection.
How much does a polio booster cost?
A standalone IPV (IPOL) costs $40-$60. Boostrix-IPV (combined dTpa + polio) costs $50-$75. Neither is covered by Medicare for adult travellers. The combined vaccine is often the most practical and cost-effective choice.
Is polio still a risk?
Yes, though the risk is greatly reduced. Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus continue to occur in parts of Africa and occasionally elsewhere. The virus has not been eradicated, and unvaccinated travellers remain at risk.
Is the polio vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. IPV is an inactivated vaccine and is safe during pregnancy. It is recommended if a pregnant woman must travel to a polio-endemic area. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is no longer used in Australia.
What is the difference between IPV and OPV?
IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) is given by injection and cannot cause polio. OPV (oral polio vaccine) is a live attenuated vaccine that carries an extremely rare risk of vaccine-associated paralytic polio. Australia stopped using OPV in 2005 and now uses only IPV.
Sources & References
Last updated: April 2026