POLIO VACCINATION
On 5 May 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) released emergency instructions under the International Health Regulations. The WHO statement advises that Pakistan, Cameroon and Syria pose the greatest risk of further “wild poliovirus exportations” in 2014. Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel, Somalia and Nigeria are infected with wild poliovirus but not currently exporting outside their borders. These states nevertheless pose a risk.
Pakistan, Cameroon and Syria must ensure vaccination of people who have been resident in these states for longer than 4 weeks in the last twelve months prior to international travel as part of an emergency order under the International Health Regulations. For the other seven the WHO has encouraged immunisation against polio.
Consequently, all Israeli passport holders applying for new visas must provide with their applications evidence of vaccination against Polio. Holders of all other passports must provide the certificate if they have stayed in any of the countries listed above, including Israel, for more than 4 weeks since 5 May 2014.
The Australian Department of Health recommends if you have not been vaccinated against polio within the last four weeks to twelve months, that you receive a dose/an additional dose of the vaccine before you depart for Australia.
The Australian Department of Health also recommend that all Australian visa holders, travelling to Australia in the next six months, carry with them to Australia, evidence of having received the polio vaccine.
Evidence of Polio Vaccination (This may be in the form of your vaccinations book, a letter or certificate from your family doctor, Health Fund (Kupat Holim) or the Israeli Ministry of Health. If you are unable to find or provide the certificate you should repeat the vaccination and obtain an up to date certificate. Vaccinations are readily available at the “Lametayel Clinic” of all major Israeli hospitals. If you are unable to provide a certificate for medical reasons, please provide a letter from your doctor explaining the reasons). For applications processed on-line from Australia (e.g. ETA, visitor, Working Holiday, Work and Holiday) you must provide the Hebrew document and an English translation. For applications processed at our office in Tel Aviv a copy of the Hebrew document is sufficient.
Clients applying for the following visas are exempt from providing evidence of Polio vaccination.
• Transit Visa
• Diplomatic Visa
• Resident Return Visa
Further information for people applying for new visas is provided at Polio
If you already hold a valid visa you are encouraged to carry with you evidence of your vaccination against Polio. Please take with you an English translation of the document. It is not necessary for you to provide the documents to our office in Tel Aviv prior to your travel.
Information for Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents is provided at Polio - Department of Health
If you require further information you should contact the Department of Health in Australia directly.