Going on a trip soon? If you’re traveling internationally, you may need to show proof of polio vaccination. Here is everything you need to know about getting a polio card for travel.
What is Polio?
Polio is a dangerous disease that can cause paralysis. It is spread easily from person to person. The poliovirus lives in the throat and intestines. It enters the body through the mouth and spreads through contact with the feces of an infected person.
Polio often shows no symptoms, but can also cause sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, headache and stomach pain. In severe cases, it can damage the nerves and cause paralysis, most often in the legs. This paralysis can be permanent.
Polio mainly affects children under age 5. There is no cure, but polio can be prevented with safe and effective vaccines.
Why Do I Need Proof of Polio Vaccination for Travel?
Many countries require travelers to show proof of polio vaccination when entering the country. This is because polio has not yet been fully eradicated worldwide. Requiring proof of vaccination helps stop polio from spreading across borders.
Countries may require proof of polio vaccine if you are traveling from or through countries where polio is still found. This includes Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
Some countries require a polio vaccination no matter where you are traveling from. Check entry requirements for the country you are visiting to see if you need proof of polio vaccine.
What is a Polio Card or Certificate?
A polio card or certificate is an official record showing you received the polio vaccine. It has details like:
- Your name and date of birth
- Dates you received the vaccine doses
- Signature of the health worker who gave the vaccine
- Official stamp from clinic or hospital
The card is wallet-sized so you can easily carry it when traveling. Some countries may accept a printout of your immunization record instead of an official card.
How Do I Get a Polio Card For Travel?
If you received all recommended doses of polio vaccine as a child, you likely have a polio immunization card already. Find your old vaccine record or school health forms.
If you can’t find your childhood polio card, you have a few options:
- Contact your doctor – Your regular doctor may have your immunization records on file. Ask them to print out your polio vaccine details.
- Check with public health department – The department of health where you received vaccines can search their records for your polio shots.
- Get titers test – This blood test checks if you are already immune to polio. If results show immunity, get a note from your doctor.
- Get vaccinated again – If needed, you can get polio vaccine again. Keep the record to use as proof for travel.
How Much Does a Polio Card Cost?
The polio card itself is usually free. Cost depends on steps needed to get the card:
- If records show you are up to date on vaccines, getting a card is free.
- A titer test can range from $50-150 in costs.
- The polio vaccine is $30-100 per dose without insurance.
Check with your doctor and insurance to find out exact costs in your area.
What Information Goes on a Polio Card For Travel?
A standard polio card for travel includes:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Date you received each dose of polio vaccine
- Form of vaccine – oral or injected
- Details of vaccine manufacturer
- Signature and stamp of nurse or doctor who administered vaccine
- Name and address of clinic or hospital that gave vaccine
Make sure all details are accurate and the card is signed. Typed vaccine records may also be accepted for travel.
How Many Doses of Vaccine Do I Need?
Most people need a total of 4 doses of polio vaccine, spread out over childhood:
- Dose 1 – Given at age 2 months
- Dose 2 – Given at 4 months
- Dose 3 – Given between 6-18 months
- Dose 4 – Given between age 4-6 years
Some countries require you received at least 3 doses of polio vaccine, with the last dose after age 4. Check the entry rules for places you are traveling.
How Long Does the Polio Vaccine Last?
The polio vaccine offers long-lasting protection from the virus. After receiving all recommended doses in childhood, most adults do not need booster shots.
Immunity does gradually decrease over time. But adults are still considered protected even 10-20 years after getting vaccines as a child.
If traveling to high-risk areas, adults may opt to get a lifetime polio vaccine booster for added protection. This is especially important for those working in healthcare.
What If I Never Got Vaccinated for Polio?
If you don’t have a polio immunization record, you will need to get vaccinated if required for travel.
Unvaccinated adults need a total of 3 doses:
- Dose 1 – Get first polio shot 4 weeks before travel.
- Dose 2 – Get second dose 2 weeks after first dose.
- Dose 3 – Get third dose 6-12 months after second dose.
This schedule allows time to develop immunity before travel. Be sure to get an official polio certificate documenting the vaccines.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
The polio vaccine is available at these places:
- Your regular doctor’s office
- Travel clinics
- Health department clinics
- Pharmacies that offer vaccines
- Urgent care centers
Call ahead to check polio vaccine costs, insurance coverage and to make an appointment. Say you need the vaccine for travel requirements.
What Types of Polio Vaccines Are There?
There are two types of polio vaccine:
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
This is an injected vaccine made with killed strains of poliovirus. IPV is the only polio vaccine used in the U.S. since 2000. It is given by shot in the leg or arm. IPV may be called the Salk vaccine after its inventor Jonas Salk.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
This oral vaccine contains weakened live strains of poliovirus. OPV drops are swallowed to build immunity in the intestines. OPV may be called the Sabin vaccine after its inventor Albert Sabin.
Some countries still give OPV. Make sure any OPV doses are marked on your polio card.
Are There Side Effects from Polio Vaccine?
The polio vaccines are very safe and side effects are uncommon. Possible minor side effects include:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at injection site with IPV
- Mild fever
- Fussiness or loss of appetite in babies
- Headache, fatigue or muscle aches in adults
Rare but serious allergic reactions can occur after any vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you have had reactions to vaccines before.
Overall, the benefits of polio vaccination far outweigh any potential risks. Getting vaccinated protects you and helps stop the spread of polio worldwide.
What Countries Require a Polio Certificate?
Over 130 countries require proof of polio vaccination for entry. Examples include:
- Africa – Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia
- Asia – Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Saudi Arabia
- Europe – Poland, Russia
- Middle East – Iran, Jordan, Oman, United Arab Emirates
- Oceania – Australia, Fiji
Check a travel health website for the most up-to-date list of countries requiring polio vaccine. Entry rules can change with the polio situation worldwide.
Can I Travel Without a Valid Polio Certificate?
It depends on your destination. Some countries may deny entry or require quarantine if you cannot show proper proof of polio immunization.
You also face the risk of getting infected with polio. Outbreaks still occur in under-vaccinated areas.
To avoid problems, get the necessary polio vaccine doses at least 4 weeks before your trip. Make sure you get proper documentation to carry with you when traveling.
Polio Card For Travel: Key Takeaways
- Proof of polio vaccination is required for travelers entering many countries.
- Get a certified polio card showing vaccine details and dates.
- Unvaccinated adults need 3 doses over 6-12 months before traveling.
- IPV and OPV are two types of safe and effective polio vaccines.
- Side effects are minimal. Benefits outweigh risks of vaccination.
- Check entry rules for your destination. Carry your polio card when traveling internationally.
Being up to date on immunizations protects your health and prevents the spread of polio worldwide. Follow the recommendations to easily get proper documentation for travel.
