Luxembourg's Ministry of Health has stressed the importance of getting vaccinated against polio, amid its resurgence in other countries, and other infectious diseases.
A resurgence of the infectious disease of poliomyelitis, also known as polio, has been noted since the beginning of the year in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Israel. In order to prevent a virus causing a vaccine-preventable disease from continuing to spread, the Ministry of Health has recalled the importance of both children and adults getting their basic and booster vaccinations. Recommendations concerning the national vaccination schedule are available on the sante.lu website.
Polio is an extremely contagious viral disease that mainly affects children under five years old. It attacks the nervous system and can paralyse muscles, usually causing death or lifelong paralysis. It is mainly transmitted via the faecal-oral route and the virus can be found in water.
As the Health Ministry recalled, the only way to protect against polio and certain other infectious diseases is through vaccination.
Those wishing to know their vaccination status should talk to their doctor or consult their vaccination record. The Agence eSanté has made available a new digital service for monitoring vaccinations, called an electronic vaccination record, developed in collaboration with the Directorate of Health. This tool securely centralises vaccination data, sends notifications for reminders and offers personalised vaccination advice in accordance with the recommendations of the Superior Council of Infectious Diseases (Conseil supérieur des maladies infectieuses - CSMI).
The Health Ministry added that vaccination has contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality in adults, children and vulnerable populations at increased risk of infection. According to UNICEF, each year vaccination prevents around two to three million deaths from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles.
