avi medical
    Prevention & Vaccinations

    Polio Vaccination

    Polio is largely eradicated, but vaccination remains important. We administer the vaccination according to STIKO recommendations.

    • STIKO-recommended
    • Incl. observation at the practice

    Who should be vaccinated against polio?

    Polio (poliomyelitis) is a viral disease that can lead to lifelong paralysis. Through high vaccination rates, polio is eradicated in most parts of the world — but the virus still circulates in some countries, and recently, polio viruses have been detected in wastewater in European countries again. The vaccination is part of standard immunization and provides reliable protection. We administer the vaccination according to STIKO recommendations.

    WHO IT'S FOR

    Who Needs This Vaccination?

    This vaccination is relevant for every age group and for everyone — including travellers to regions with a high risk of infection.

    Primary immunisation normally takes place in childhood. After the age of 18, vaccination should be given once in combination with the next due booster against tetanus and diphtheria. A routine booster thereafter is recommended for all those at increased risk of infection, such as staff who come into contact with potentially infected individuals or their bodily secretions, or travellers to regions where polio still occurs.

    VACCINATION SCHEDULE

    How the Vaccination Works

    The polio vaccine is an inactivated vaccine and is usually administered as a combination vaccine. The injection is given into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.

    The vaccine is well tolerated. The stimulation of the body’s own immune defences very commonly leads to redness or swelling at the injection site, which can also be painful. Rarely, general symptoms such as a raised temperature, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, or gastrointestinal complaints may occur during the first three days after vaccination. Such vaccination reactions generally subside after one to three days.

    Good to know: Vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, which occurred in very rare cases with the previously used live vaccine (approximately 1 in 3 million vaccinations), is excluded with today’s vaccine.

    NEXT STEPS

    What You Can Do Now

    To check whether you have vaccination protection, simply book an appointment for a vaccination status review at one of our avi practices and discuss this with our medical team. They will advise you in detail on whether you are already protected or whether you should receive a vaccination. The doctors will also check whether there are any further vaccinations that would be beneficial for you and, where appropriate, will administer these directly.

    VACCINATION PROCESS

    How it works at avi

    We provide comprehensive information about the vaccination and are available for all your questions.

    1. 1

      Information Consultation

      We inform you about the vaccination, possible side effects, and answer all your questions.

    2. 2

      History & Vaccination Advice

      We review your vaccination status, pre-existing conditions, and allergies to ensure safe administration.

    3. 3

      Vaccination

      The vaccination is administered with minimal pain into the upper arm muscle.

    4. 4

      Observation Period

      You stay in the practice briefly for safety so we can react immediately to rare immediate reactions.

    PREPARATION & AFTERCARE

    Preparation & Aftercare

    Before the appointment

    • Bring your vaccination record

      So we can verify your vaccination status and document the new vaccination.

    • Clarify acute illnesses

      We postpone vaccination in case of fever or acute infections. Please let us know in advance.

    After the appointment

    • Take it easy

      Avoid intense physical exertion and sports for 1-2 days.

    • Normal reactions

      Local redness, swelling, or mild fever are normal and usually subside within 1-3 days.

    • Report severe symptoms

      For shortness of breath, circulatory problems, or persistent high fever, contact a doctor immediately.

    Side effects

    Redness, swelling, warmth, or mild pain at the injection site. Usually subside within 1-2 days.

    Fatigue, headache, mild muscle aches, or low-grade fever. Usually mild and short-lived.

    In very rare cases, allergic reactions to vaccine components may occur. This is why post-vaccination observation takes place in our practice.

    Severe immediate reactions are extremely rare. We are prepared in our practice and can react immediately.

    Costs & insurance

    Covered by statutory insurance

    Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.

    Private / self-pay

    from €39

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions: Polio Vaccination

    If you completed the primary course as a child and had one booster, you are sufficiently protected according to STIKO. If the booster is missing or the primary course is incomplete, you should catch up. Before travelling to countries where polio cases still occur, STIKO recommends a booster if your last vaccination was more than ten years ago.

    No. Every documented vaccination counts, even if it was a long time ago. Missing doses are simply caught up. Bring your vaccination record and we will check what you still need. In adults, polio is usually given as a combination vaccine with tetanus and diphtheria.

    Yes. Statutory health insurance covers the primary course and boosters recommended by STIKO. If you pay yourself, the vaccination costs from €39 at avi.