World Polio Day
24 October 2023
Today is World Polio Day.
Polio is a life-threatening disease that can cause paralysis or even death and mostly affects children under 5 years.
Luckily, in Australia polio is very rare. Vaccination is recommended so babies and children can’t catch polio from people around them who have travelled to countries where the disease is still common.
It is recommended children get a vaccine that protects against polio at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 4 years.
It is important your child gets all their vaccinations on time to ensure they have the best possible protection against infectious diseases.
If your child missed their vaccines at their scheduled time, talk to your immunisation provider about catching up.
View the childhood immunisation schedule.