Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious and sometimes fatal disease, which invades the nervous system and can cause life-long paralysis. In June 2002, all 53 countries in the WHO European Region were certified polio free. A sustained effort of immunization and disease surveillance helps maintain the Region’s polio-free status and ensures that no polio case can be left undetected.
Maintaining the Region's polio-free statusTop story
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Over 1.2 million children have received 2 drops of oral polio vaccine (OPV) in Tajikistan in the past week, in the first round of a campaign to stop circulation of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detected in the country. This represents 99% of the children targeted to receive vaccination during this campaign.
Vaccination and COVID-19
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- COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination
- Operational guidance to support Member States in preparing for and implementing COVID-19 vaccination
- Q&A on vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Guidance on routine immunization services during COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO European Region
- Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on control of vaccine-preventable diseases: a health risk management approach focused on catch-up vaccination (2020)
Polio Outbreak Simulation Exercise (POSE)
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Polio Endgame Strategy
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The comprehensive, long-term strategy to deliver a polio-free world.
Step-by-step eradication of polioLatest meeting report
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Data and statistics
1 in 200
infections with poliovirus leads to irreversible paralysis. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.
More data and statisticsPublications
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European Immunization Week
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Each year in April, EIW promotes the core message that the immunization of every child is vital to prevent diseases and protect life. The goal of the region-wide campaign is to increase vaccination coverage by raising awareness of the importance of immunization.
Go to EIW2021 campaign siteKey resources
- CISID
WHO/Europe infectious disease data set, compiled from reports submitted by Member States
- WHO EpiBrief and EpiData
Summary and analysis of data on selected vaccine-preventable diseases
- Polio laboratory data management system
Information and resources for the Regional Polio Lab Network
- CISID
WHO/Europe infectious disease data set, compiled from reports submitted by Member States
- Immunization Resource Centre
Documents designed to assist health professionals in their day-to-day work as it relates to immunization