Polio (poliomyelitis) has been eradicated from most countries, however, there is still a risk of polio is some areas of the world. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers get vaccinated against polio when going to countries where there is a risk of ongoing transmission.
Polio is a highly contagious vaccine preventable disease.
For up to date information on countries reporting polio disease, refer to the website of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Consult with your health care provider or a travel health clinic ideally at least 6 weeks prior to your departure.
Travellers going to areas where there is a risk of transmission of polio need to be sure they are protected against this disease.
- For children under 18 years of age:
In Canada, children are routinely vaccinated against polio. See Recommended Immunization Schedules for further details.
- If your child is up-to-date on his/her vaccines:
- No need for further vaccines
- If your child has partially completed his/her vaccine series:
- Talk to your health care provider about getting the remaining doses before leaving
- People 18 years of age and older:
- If you have completed your polio vaccine series while under the age of 18 and have received a booster dose against polio since your 18th birthday:
- No need for further vaccines
- If you have completed your polio vaccine series while under the age of 18 but have not received any booster doses against polio since your 18th birthday:
- Get a one-time booster dose before leaving
- If you have only received part of your polio vaccine series:
- Get the remaining doses, no matter how long since the previous dose(s)
- If you have not received any vaccines against polio:
- Get full immunization against polio (three doses)
PHAC strongly recommends that:
- You consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic ideally at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of your destination. This will allow you to:
- Understand your health risks
- Learn personal preventative measures you may need while travelling
- Know what vaccines to get and when to get them
If you get sick while travelling or become sick after returning to Canada
- Inform your health care provider of your symptoms
- Without being asked, tell him/her where you have been and what, if any, treatment or medical care you have received while travelling (e.g., blood transfusions, injections, dental care, and surgery).
Know before you go!
General travel health advice
Food and Water Precautions
PHAC strongly recommends key principles regarding food and water precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to disease.
Immunizations Recommended for Travel Outside of Canada
If you are planning to travel outside of Canada, you may require immunizations, depending on your travel destination, the length of your stay and whether or not your routine immunizations are up-to-date.
Canadian Immunization Guide – Seventh Edition (2006)
In this Guide, information is presented on the immunizing agents available in Canada and their use in the prevention of communicable diseases.
