Better be safe with a polio jab

I’VE heard from a number of parents who are worried about polio, following the Government’s decision to offer all under-nines in London a dose of the polio vaccine.

This doesn’t mean we’re on the brink of an outbreak of the disease which can, in severe cases, cause paralysis. The polio virus has been spotted in London’s water system, which suggests some people may be infected and are spreading it without symptoms. But no cases have been identified yet.

So health chiefs have taken an extremely cautious approach by jabbing children – even if they’ve had previous doses.

It is especially important in London, which has some of the lowest uptake rates for vaccination in the country.

So don’t panic, but take the vaccination if it’s offered. It is better to be safe than sorry.