Polio vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Polio vaccination: Vaccination against poliomyelitis provides reliable protection against one of the most dangerous infectious diseases of all - polio. It protects children and adults from permanent paralysis and helps to eradicate the virus worldwide.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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The most important facts about polio (poliomyelitis)
Poliomyelitis - commonly known as polio or infantile paralysis - is a disease characterized by Highly contagious viral disease. Although the high polio vaccination rates have largely suppressed the virus, it is still occasionally detected by travelers to Austria.
Polioviruses are mainly found in Countries with poor hygienic conditions before. As travelers can bring the disease to Europe, the National vaccination committee continue to vaccinate against polio.
The poliovirus infects the digestive tract and multiplies there. Although the infection is usually asymptomatic, in many cases the virus attacks the nervous system, in particular the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. This can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis or permanent movement disorders.
Polio symptoms at a glance
Polio is usually asymptomatic - i.e. without symptoms or with mild symptoms. The body automatically produces antibodies. However, some infected people complain of symptoms ranging from Fever or even paralysis.
Signs of illness at a glance:
Fever
Nausea
Sore throat and headaches
Muscle pain
Gastrointestinal complaints
Paralysis
About 1 out of 200 cases there is a risk that the virus could infect the attacks the central nervous system and paralysis. If the respiratory muscles or diaphragm are affected, this can lead to life-threatening respiratory arrest. There is no specific treatment for the virus itself - only the symptoms can be alleviated.
How is polio transmitted?
The infection with poliomyelitis usually occurs fecal-oral - i.e. it is absorbed through the mouth and excreted in the stool. This is usually the case through contact with contaminated water, food or hands. Even small amounts are enough to pass on the virus.
Also Saliva can play a role in transmission, for example through close contact with sick people. The virus spreads particularly quickly in regions with poor hygiene conditions. The Incubation period - i.e. the time between infection and outbreak of the disease - is about 3 to 35 days. Sick people often excrete the virus via the intestines for weeks after infection.
Advantages of vaccination against poliomyelitis
Vaccination against polio offers a almost complete protection against infection with the poliovirus. It is particularly important for children, as it reliably prevents severe paralysis and permanent damage. The vaccination also stops the virus from spreading.
The advantages at a glance:
Safe protection against poliomyelitis
Protection against lifelong paralysis
Contributing to the global eradication of the disease
Protection also for unvaccinated people in the vicinity (community protection)
For further information about Pediatric Vaccinations and a Personal advice you can contact us at the Ordination Glückskind at any time and make an appointment. Book Your Consultation. We will provide you with detailed information about the vaccination process, possible side effects and the best vaccination schedule for your child. Together we will find the best time and answer any questions you may have about vaccinations.
Procedure and information on polio vaccination
Vaccination against polio is available in the free vaccination program included. The Basic immunization already takes place in infancy, with three injections according to this vaccination schedule:
1st vaccine doseFrom the 6th week of life, at the latest in the 3rd month of life
2nd vaccine dose2 months after the first vaccination, e.g. in the 5th month of life
3rd vaccine dose6 months after the second vaccination at the age of 10 to 11 months
This is followed by two booster vaccinationsThe first at the age of 6 and the second five years later, but at the latest in the 8th grade and before the end of compulsory schooling.
Polio vaccine: multiple vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus & co.
For the basic immunization of infants, a 6-fold vaccine for use. In addition to polio, this also protects against diphtheria, Tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae, Hepatitis B and Whooping cough.
This is a inactivated polio vaccine. It is well tolerated and has replaced the oral polio vaccine with live vaccine in Austria, as this carried the rare risk of polio.
The booster vaccinations for adolescents are also included in the free childhood vaccination program in Austria and are carried out with a 4-fold vaccine against polio, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
Polio vaccination for adults
Adults should also regularly check their vaccination protection and a refresher if required carry out. With increasing age, vaccination protection against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio diminishes. A timely booster vaccination ensures that the body continues to be optimally protected.
The National vaccination committee recommends Refresher courses usually every ten years, for pertussis (whooping cough) every five years. Combination vaccines are available for this purpose, which provide efficient protection against several diseases at the same time.
If the basic immunization is missing two vaccinations at intervals of 1 to 2 months and a third injection 6 to 12 months later is recommended. A booster is particularly important for adults with close contact to children or people with a weakened immune system in order to protect themselves and others from infection.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is the polio vaccination for?
The polio vaccination protects against polio, a dangerous viral infection that can lead to permanent paralysis or even death. It prevents infection with polioviruses and is helping to eradicate the disease worldwide.
How often do you need to be vaccinated against polio?
For complete protection three vaccinations for basic immunization necessary in infancy. This is followed by two booster vaccinations in childhood and adolescence. In special cases, a further refresher course may be useful in adulthood.
When should babies be vaccinated against poliomyelitis?
Babies receive the polio vaccination as part of the 6-vaccination program. The first vaccination is given from the 6th week of life, the others at the age of 5 months and 11 to 12 months. In this way, reliable protection is established at an early stage.
Should adults also be vaccinated against polio?
Yes, adults should check their vaccinations regularly and update them if necessary. This is particularly important when travelling to countries where polio still occurs or if basic immunization has not been completed. A booster every ten years is recommended for special indications.