Unfortunately, in recent months, vaccine-derived poliovirus has been detected in sewage in north and east London. Following this, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are advising that children aged 1-9 years old in London are offered a polio vaccine booster dose. Dr Sabine van Elsland spoke to polio experts Dr Isobel Blake (IB) and Prof Nicholas Grassly (NG) from Imperial College London to find out more.
Why is this booster campaign rolled out?
NG: “Testing of sewage confirms that vaccine-derived poliovirus is spreading in London. If it continues to spread, it will result in cases of paralysis in unvaccinated individuals. It is therefore of paramount importance that children are up to date with their polio vaccines. The vaccination campaign in London targeting children 0-9 years old will help achieve this, in addition to limiting the spread of the virus.
Read more at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/240691/why-children-need-polio-vaccine-boosters/
