The NHS is inviting children aged 1 to 9 in Redbridge to receive a vaccine against polio. For some children this will be an additional booster dose if they are already up to date with their routine vaccinations. In others who are not up to date it will be a catch-up dose.

Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs).

Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilised.
 
Parents are being contacted by GP practices to book an appointment.
 
You can also get a polio vaccine for your child now at one of these places.

For more information, see here.