Polio Detections Drop in London but Vaccination Rates Still Lag
Sewage surveillance shows fewer poliovirus traces in London, hinting at a sharp drop in community spread. However, vaccination rates in some boroughs remain worryingly low.
UKHSA Reports No New Poliovirus Since November
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms no new vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) has been detected in London sewage since early November. This signals a major decline in transmission but the danger isn’t over yet.
The World Health Organization demands 12 consecutive months of zero detections before the UK can officially shake off the polio ‘infected’ label.
London’s Polio Jab Rates Lag Behind National Average
- Only 87.6% of London children have received all polio vaccinations by age one, vs. 92.1% across England.
- Pre-school booster uptake is even worse: 69.9% in London, compared to 83.4% nationwide.
To tackle this, the NHS in London is launching a catch-up jab campaign this summer. Children aged 1 to 11 who missed doses will be offered polio and other routine vaccines like MMR. Vaccinations will be delivered via primary schools and community clinics, with a focus on the hardest-hit communities.
Experts Urge Parents: Get Your Kids’ Polio Jabs Sorted
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Epidemiologist: “While spread seems to be slowing, we must lift vaccine uptake across every community. A single paralysis case from polio is a tragedy—especially since it’s fully preventable. Only full coverage will keep us safe from future outbreaks.”
Jane Clegg, Chief Nurse, NHS London: “Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children remain at risk of serious illness. We urge all parents to check their child’s vaccination records and contact their GP. From the summer term, polio jabs will be available easily through schools and local clinics.”
Polio Virus First Found in London Sewage Early Last Year
Between February and May 2022, UKHSA and MHRA found vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in sewage samples from London’s Beckton Treatment Works, revealing ongoing community spread. By August, WHO confirmed the UK had “circulating” VDPV2 — a form that acts like wild polio and can cause paralysis in unvaccinated people.
The NHS responded quickly with an emergency immunisation drive, reaching out to parents and offering extra jabs even to fully vaccinated kids.
No cases of paralytic polio have emerged in England so far, but the risk remains. Similar vaccine-derived polio has caused paralysis abroad, including in the US and Israel.
Wider Sewage Surveillance Rolled Out Outside London
Some 135 poliovirus type 2 isolates were found in 30 London sewage samples last year, mainly from North and East London. In September 2023, surveillance expanded to 18 major areas outside the capital, including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield. So far, no poliovirus has been detected outside London.
London samples are monitored twice monthly; other areas monthly. UKHSA continues working with the NHS to protect Londoners against polio, measles, and other infectious threats, especially in vulnerable communities.
Polio Vaccines: What You Need to Know
The best defence against polio is full vaccination, given free on the NHS as part of routine childhood jabs:
- At 8, 12, and 16 weeks – as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine
- At 3 years and 4 months – pre-school booster (4-in-1 DTaP/IPV)
- At 14 years – teenage booster (3-in-1 Td/IPV)
All these jabs are needed for full polio protection. If your child missed any doses, you can get them caught up anytime for free. Even those who had polio before should get vaccinated, as the vaccine protects against multiple poliovirus types.
