Children aged 1 to 9 years old in London are being offered a dose of polio vaccine. For some children this may be an extra dose on top of their routine vaccinations. In other children it may bring them up to date with their routine vaccinations.
Why is this happening now?
There are signs the virus may be spreading in London and the number of children vaccinated in London is lower than it should be. Boosting immunity in children should help protect them and reduce the risk of the virus continuing to spread.
How can my child get the vaccine?
Children aged 1 to 5 years
If your child is aged 1 to 5 years, registered with Babylon and is eligible for a vaccine, we will send you an invitation to book their polio booster at one of our clinics.
We will send you an appointment invitation if your child is:
- aged 1 to 5 years and never received a polio vaccine
- aged 1 to 5 years and requires a booster polio vaccination
We are working through a priority list, which means children that have never had a polio vaccine will be invited first.
Please do not contact us. We will send you an invitation if your child is eligible according to the priority set by The UK Health Security Agency.
Children aged 5 year and over
Children aged 5 years and over will be vaccinated outside of their GP practice. This will be through different vaccination programmes either held at school or within local vaccination hubs.
If your child is eligible for an extra dose, you’ll be contacted separately to book an appointment for the vaccine.
Find out how to book an appointment online at NHS.UK
How do I find out more?
Find out more about the polio booster campaign on GOV.UK
Leaflet for patients: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1097153/UKHSA_12440_polio_leaflet_for_parents_and_carers.pdf