Polio vaccine

In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are 3 polio-containing vaccines: Infanrix-hexa®, Infanrix-IPV® and IPOL®. The polio vaccine’s Infanrix-hexa® and Infranrix-IPV® are mixed with other vaccines into one injection.

As part of the New Zealand childhood immunisation schedule, the polio vaccine is offered free to:

• babies at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months as Infanrix-hexa®
• children at 4 years as Infanrix-IPV®.

Read more about childhood immunisation.

People who haven't been immunised against polio, or have missed some doses, or have a weakened immune system and are at risk of getting polio, can be given a course of 3 doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPOL®), 4 to 8 weeks apart. 
  

Pregnancy

Immunisation against polio isn't recommended in the first or second trimester of pregnancy unless you're travelling to a polio-affected area. If an unvaccinated pregnant person is travelling to a country where there is polio, 2 doses should be given 4 weeks apart before travelling. If they must travel urgently and can't have a 4-week gap, then 2 doses should be given at the maximum possible interval, although protection can't be guaranteed. If the gap between doses is going to be less than 2 weeks, a single dose is recommended, with further doses given on arrival if possible.

Travel

If you're planning to travel to countries with a risk of polio infection, ensure that you're fully immunised against polio. If more than 10 years have passed since the last dose, a booster dose is recommended.

Infanrix–hexa® and Infanrix–IPV® are given intramuscularly (injected into the muscle) in the upper arm or thigh.

IPOL® is given by subcutaneous injection (under the skin).  

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Read about what to expect after your child is immunised(external link) (babies and children) or after your immunisation(external link) (teenagers and adults).

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Pain, swelling and redness at the injection site: This is quite common after having the vaccination. It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days. Place a cold, wet cloth, or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time. Don't rub the injection site.

• Mild fever: If your child is hot after having the vaccination, it can help to undress them down to a single layer, for example, a singlet and nappies or pants. Make sure the room isn’t too hot or too cold. The routine use of paracetamol isn’t recommended following vaccinations, but may be used if your child is miserable or distressed. For teenagers and adults, rest and drink plenty of fluids.

• Joint pain.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction that you think might be a side effect.

There are many different places where you can get a vaccination. These include medical or health centres, pharmacies, community-based clinics including marae-based clinics, mobile health clinics and mobile vaccination services.

Read more about who can give vaccinations and where to get vaccinated.

Vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule(external link) are free. Other vaccines are funded only for people at particular risk of disease. You can choose to pay for vaccines that you aren't eligible to receive for free.