The thirty-eighth meeting of the Emergency Committee (EC) under International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 was convened on 20 March 2024 to review the data on wild poliovirus (WPV) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV). The statement from the EC provides the background to the emergency and the detail on the current situation. In addition to listing the current polio status, the Emergency Committee now also stipulates whether a country is no longer infected by wild poliovirus 1 (WPV1) or circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV); a country assessed as 'no longer infected' will be monitored for a further 12 months. The countries which have had changes to their polio vaccination recommendations since the last meeting in Dec 23 are: Angola, Eritrea, Israel, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Ukraine. Read more
Advice for travellers
Advice for travellers: Polio is a potentially serious viral illness that is spread through contact with infected faeces or saliva. The risk to travellers is generally low, however vaccination is recommended for travel to affected regions and is a requirement for travel to/from some countries. If at risk, adults should have a booster to the childhood series. More on polio.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.