Public Advisory No. 27-2016
Date: 19 May 2016
The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah informs all Filipino community in the Western Region that it has received Polio Vaccination for Travelers Advisory from the Department of Health (DOH).
Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious viral disease caused by three types of poliovirus (types 1, 2 and 3). The disease can result in irreversible paralysis affecting most commonly the leg musles but for 5-10% of acute flaccid paralysis cases, the breathing muscles are also affected which can cause death.
According to DOH, the Philippines, along with other members of the Western Pacific Region, has been polio-free since 2000. The Emergency Committee under the International health Regulations (IHR) states that the spread of polio is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and that it is necessary to take certain actions to interrupt the spread of wild poliovirus.
For travellers to Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries with ongoing transmission of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV), the DOH recommends the following:
- All travelers (regardless of age) to countries with ongoing poliovirus outbreaks should received a dose of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV), four weeks to 12 months prior to travel;
- For urgent travels of those who have not received a dose of OPV or IPV, travelers should still receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure, as this will still provide benefit, especially for frequent travelers; and
- Travelers must secure a Certificate of Vaccination which will serve as proof of vaccination prior to departure.
Complete listing of countries with ongoing transmission of cVDPV may be obtained from the website: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/8th-IHR-emergency-committee-polio/en/ . For additional information and/or inquiries regarding the matter, please contact the Department of Health – Family Health Office at tel. no.: 651-7800 local 1726-1730; URL: http//www.doh.gov.ph. END
