Less than a month after the Department of Health declared a polio oubreak last September 19, it has released an advisory recommending travelers of ALL ages who are planning a trip to the Philippines to get a single dose of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV).
Polio vaccination for travelers coming to the Philippines
According to the DOH advisory for all travelers entering the Philippines:
- Foreign nationals and returning Filipinos of all ages who intend to stay in the Philippines for four (4) weeks and more are encouraged to receive a single dose of IPV.
- They need to have the IPV not later than four (4) weeks before their scheduled travel to the Philippines, as long as the traveler has NOT received polio vaccination in the last 12 months.
- People who need to undertake urgent travel within four (4) weeks are recommended to receive a single dose of IPV at least by the time of their departure. The vaccine can still provide benefits, particularly for frequent travelers.
What other parents are reading
For all travelers leaving the Philippines:
- You are encouraged to check the immunization requirements of the country where you are headed.
- If you are required to get a dose of IPV before departure, get your International Certificate of Vaccination from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to serve as proof of vaccination.
The full advisory is on the DOH website.
DOH also mentioned that while the World Health Organization states that the "risk of international spread of polio is low, the risk of transmission and recirculation of the polio virus within the Philippines is high due to low population immunity."
Know more about the vaccines you and your child need and read our latest stories on polio
PH Doctors Release Vaccination Guidelines to Protect Children From Polio Outbreak
Should Adults Get a Polio Booster Shot? Answers From Filipino Doctors
PH Was Declared Polio-Free Nearly 20 Years Ago. DOH Confirms It Has Returned
What other parents are reading
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