Destinations have been added to the polio booster recommendation list — find out what’s changed.
Temporary polio booster recommendations have been updated to reflect the latest case and environmental surveillance data. Travelers should be aware that Germany, Togo, the United Kingdom, and Zambia have been added to the list of destinations for which a polio booster is recommended prior to travel.
If you are traveling to any of these newly added destinations, ensure your polio vaccination is up to date before departure. Adults who completed a primary polio vaccine series in childhood should consider receiving a one-time adult booster dose of IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) if they have not already done so. Travelers who are immuno-compromised, working in healthcare or humanitarian settings, or planning extended stays may face elevated risk and are strongly encouraged to seek personalized medical guidance.
Polio vaccine recommendations can change quickly as new case and surveillance data emerge, so it is important to verify current requirements close to your travel date. Before your next trip, book a consultation with a travel medicine specialist from TravelBug Health to confirm that your vaccinations are current — planning ahead is strongly encouraged.
Additional resources for travelers:
- CDC Global Polio Level 2 Travel Notice
- WHO Polio IHR Emergency Committee Statement
- CDC Polio Vaccination for International Travelers
