United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Following the isolation of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) from environmental samples in London, UK, in May 2022, further virological and epidemiological analysis confirms circulation of this strain. No cases of paralysis associated with this strain have been detected – virus has been isolated only from environmental (sewage) samples, however.

London and UK public health authorities continue to implement a timely and appropriate response to this circulating VDPV2 (cVDPV2), in order to rapidly interrupt its circulation, including by: continuing to intensify surveillance efforts (including for potential cases of paralysis), identifying population sub-groups/areas with potential immunity gaps, offering an additional dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to all children (aged 1-9 years of age) across London, and proactively reaching out to communities with known immunity gaps to strengthen vaccination coverage.

International Health Regulations

Countries affected by poliovirus circulation are subject to temporary recommendations issued by the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations on Poliovirus, under the auspices of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern.  The latest report by the Committee is as of August 2023.

Travel advice

WHO’s International Travel and Health recommends that all travellers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio. Residents (and visitors for more than 4 weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of OPV or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within 4 weeks to 12 months of travel.