There have been no new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) reported from Papua New Guinea (PNG) this week. So far in 2018 there have been a total of 25 cases of cVDPV1 reported. Health Authorities have established Emergency Operation Centres at a national level and in all affected provinces; environmental surveillance is functional in five sites in two major cities. Furthermore, three Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) have been in place since July and have expanded from three provinces to nine, to nation-wide. The most recent was aimed at children under the age of 15, due to large numbers of poorly-immunized older children. Planning is underway for the next steps of the outbreak response, focusing on both vaccination and surveillance for polioviruses. Read more
Advice for travellers
Australian residents planning to visit PNG for less than 4 weeks should be up to date with their polio vaccination. For adults, this is a 3 dose primary course, with a booster within the last 10 years. For children, a 3 dose primary course with a booster at 4 years old is currently recommended. These recommended vaccines may be given before arrival in PNG.
Australian residents travelling to PNG intending to stay for longer than 4 weeks should have a documented polio booster within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to the date of departure from PNG. The booster may be given before arrival in PNG, as long as it is given within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to leaving PNG.
Individuals who are already residing in PNG for 4 weeks or longer should have a documented polio booster within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to departure from PNG (refer to WHO’s International Travel and Health website). The booster may have been given before arrival in PNG, as long as it has been given within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to leaving PNG. Individuals leaving PNG in less than 4 weeks should still receive a polio booster as this will still have benefit. Read more
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.