Australian Government: Department of Health & Ageing Poliomyelitis is effectively prevented by vaccination. Funding for the replacement of oral polio vaccine (OPV) with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) under the National Immunisation Program was implemented on 1 November 2005, because OPV can rarely cause paralysis in those people whose immune systems are not working effectively. Oral polio vaccine has been replaced by inactivated polio vaccine for the routinely recommended doses at two, four and six months and four years of age. If a child had an initial dose or doses of OPV before 1 November 2005, their remaining doses should be given as IPV as per the usual schedule. Australian Government: Department of Health & Ageing - Polio Fact Sheet

The Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) - Poliovirus Reference Laboratory The Poliovirus Reference Laboratory was established in 1994 and has played a major role in Australia's commitment to the World Health Organization's (WHO) program for the global eradication of poliomyelitis. http://www.vidrl.org.au/labsandunits/polio/polio_about.htm

Victoria Department of Human Services: Fact Sheet People in Australia need to be immunised against polio even though there have been no cases here for many years. There are still cases of the disease overseas, and there is a risk of it being re-established here if children and adults are not immunised. Better Health Channel

Victorian Government Health Information: Immunisation People in Australia need to be immunised against polio. A recent case in Victoria alerts us to the need for ongoing immunisation against polio. There are still cases of the disease overseas, and there is a risk of it being re-established here if children and adults are not immunised. http://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/factsheets/polio.htm