Poliovirus detected in sewage in London

The UK is considered by the World Health Organization to be polio-free, with low-risk for polio transmission due to the high level of vaccine coverage across the population. Following the detection of poliovirus in wastewater in London (external website), Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with NHS boards on a precautionary basis to ensure optimal vaccine coverage and protection against polio and advising the public to ensure polio vaccines are up to date. This particularly applies to parents of young children who may have missed an immunisation opportunity.

Dr Nick Phin, Clinical Director of PHS, said:

“No cases of poliovirus have been detected in Scotland and the risk to the public overall is extremely low. Scotland has high vaccination uptake rates that we need to maintain to reduce the risk of infections occurring.

“Most people in Scotland are fully protected against polio and won’t need to take any further action. Parents of children born and raised in Scotland can check their child’s vaccination status in their Red Book or by calling their GP surgery. There is information on NHS inform about how to get your vaccines if you or your child are not up-to-date”.

Find out more about how to access vaccinations (external website).

Further information about polio is available on NHS Inform (external website).