Polio Vaccine Singapore

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: Jan 9, 2025.

Vaccine Name	Imovax® Polio
Type	Routine vaccination
Schedule	Unvaccinated Adults: 3 jabs within 6 to 12 months Vaccinated Adults: 1 jab, with a recommended booster every 10 years
Price	$173.31 NETT (per dose)
Appointment Options	Same-day appointment (subject to availability). Book via WhatsApp: 8883 8128 or email: hi@atamed.sg
Clinic Locations	Orchard: 1 Orchard Blvd #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, S248649 Tanjong Pagar: 72 Anson Rd #01-02 Anson House, S079911

Polio, or poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which has three distinct strains: types 1, 2, and 3. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. While most infected individuals show no symptoms, the disease can cause severe complications in some cases. These include irreversible paralysis, which may affect the limbs or critical muscles used for breathing, leading to long-term disability or even death.

The polio vaccine is an immunisation method widely used to protect individuals from the poliovirus. It is considered effective in preventing the disease and plays an important role in reducing the risk of outbreaks.

The polio vaccine helps the immune system identify and fight the poliovirus. It triggers the production of antibodies, which protect the body by preventing the virus from causing illness if exposure occurs. This process helps build long-term immunity against polio.

Types of Polio Vaccine

There are two main types of polio vaccines:

1. Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV): This vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot cause the disease.
2. Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV): This vaccine contains a weakened live virus.

In Singapore, IPV is the standard vaccine used as it carries no risk of reactivation. In contrast, OPV has a very small potential for the live virus to mutate and cause infection and is currently being phased out in routine immunisation globally.

Importance of Polio Vaccine

The polio vaccine protects individuals from the potentially severe effects of the disease and supports community immunity, safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. While polio poses the greatest risk to children under five, unvaccinated adults are also vulnerable.

Global vaccination efforts have significantly reduced polio cases, and countries like Singapore have successfully eliminated the disease. However, the virus remains endemic in some regions, and the risk of outbreaks in areas with low vaccination coverage highlights the importance of being vaccinated if you are travelling to these regions.

In Singapore, the polio vaccine is recommended as part of the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), which includes a primary series and booster doses. The primary series is administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with booster doses given at 18 months and between 10 and 11 years old.

For those travelling to areas where polio is endemic, a booster dose may be advised if your last dose was more than 10 years ago. It is important to consult your doctor to review your immunisation status and receive personalised medical guidance before travelling.

The polio vaccine is administered as an injection using the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). It is typically given either into the muscle or just under the skin as part of the standard immunisation schedule in Singapore.

The recommended dosage schedule for the polio vaccine is as follows:

The inactivated polio vaccine provides immunity in 99% of recipients after three doses, which is generally long-term. However, the exact duration of immunity remains uncertain. A booster dose is recommended for individuals at risk, particularly if their last vaccination was more than 10 years ago.

Common side effects of the polio vaccine include mild reactions like dizziness, pain, or redness at the injection site, and headaches. These symptoms are generally short-lived, but you should consult a doctor if they persist or worsen.

In rare cases, severe allergic reactions might occur, such as swelling of the face or eyes, breathing difficulties, or widespread itchy rashes. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms are observed.

Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. The information above is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a doctor if you have any medical concerns before vaccination.

For other travel or routine immunisations, as well as home-based, group, or corporate vaccinations, please contact us for further details.

Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this allows you to keep a record of your vaccinations.

Vaccinations offer significant individual benefits by boosting the immune system's ability to fight off specific infectious diseases. They reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses, leading to fewer medical visits and a lower chance of hospitalization.

By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, individuals can also enjoy a greater sense of well-being and freedom to engage in various social activities, knowing they are protected against contagious diseases.

At ATA Medical, we offer a wide range of vaccinations to meet your various health needs, from travel to seasonal immunity, ensuring you are well-protected. Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this allows you to keep a record of the vaccinations.

Our vaccination clinics are conveniently located in Central Singapore. Same day appointments for vaccinations are available.

• Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
• Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)

Orchard Clinic

Tanjong Pagar Clinic

Travel Related Consultation with Dr Jana Lim