24/10/2025
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that mostly affects children under 5. While South Africa hasn’t seen a case in decades, vaccination is the only way to keep our communities safe.
✅ How Polio Spreads:
Through contaminated food, water, or close contact.
✅ Symptoms to Watch For:
Fever, sore throat, or fatigue
Headache and stomach pain
Stiffness in the neck or back
Muscle weakness or sudden paralysis (in severe cases)
✅ Vaccines Protect:
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - drops given to infants and children
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) - injection used in routine immunisations
Did you know? 💡
Vaccines have reduced polio cases by over 99% worldwide - but the virus still exists in some countries. Keeping immunisation up to date is the only way to protect future generations.
At Touch of Life, we encourage all parents to check their child’s vaccination card and keep them protected. Together, we can ensure a polio-free South Africa.
