Coolangatta Medical Centre is committed to providing accessible, extensive polio vaccinations for Gold Coast, Queensland residents. Our clinic ensures comprehensive immunisation coverage to safeguard the community against polio, ultimately preventing outbreaks and promoting public health.

Polio, also called poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral infection that primarily affects the nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. In its most severe form, it can cause paralysis, causing an inability to move certain limbs. Individuals affected with polio can also experience difficulties in breathing and, sometimes, death. 

The virus can be transmitted in two ways:

• Direct contact with the saliva or faces of infected individuals
• Consuming contaminated water or food

The polio virus initially infects the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, however, the virus can move through the bloodstream and to the central nervous system, thus causing severe complications.

19 out of every 20 people with poliovirus develop no symptoms.1  However, some  individuals infected with the virus may experience the following:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sore throat
• Pain, stiffness, or weakness in the limbs, particularly in the back, neck, arms, or legs

Poliovirus can remain in the faeces for up to 35 days before symptoms appear. In some cases, however, it takes 15 years before the physical symptoms appear. These symptoms are called the “late effects of polio,” and may include muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue.

Less than 1% of individuals experience permanent paralysis of the arms, legs, or breathing muscles, 5% to 10% of which lead to death.2

In Australia, polio was among the most prevalent diseases during the early 20th century, mostly affecting children and causing permanent paralysis and death. With the widespread routine immunisation that started in 1956, polio cases in Australia have been eradicated as declared by the World Health Organisation in 2000. However, many survivors are still living with the long-term effects of the disease.3

There is no cure for polio; it can only be prevented. Immunisation is the most effective prevention against polio and is recommended for all infants, children, and adults. Two doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are found to be 90% effective against paralytic polio, while three doses are 99% to 100% effective. 

By ensuring that everyone in the community receives the polio vaccine, we can effectively minimise the risk of infection, attain herd immunity, and contribute to the global effort to eradicate the disease.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends routine vaccination for the following at-risk groups:

• Infants
• Individuals who plan to travel to polio-endemic areas (for example but not including all countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan)4
• Individuals living with or caring for someone with polio, such as healthcare workers
• Laboratory workers who may have contact with someone with polio
• People who have not been vaccinated

Coolangatta Medical Centre offers polio vaccination to ensure all at-risk groups receive the necessary protection against this potentially life-threatening disease. We recommend at least three doses of polio vaccine at the following intervals:

• The first dose at any time
• The second dose 1 or 2 months later
• A third dose 6 to 12 months after the second one

Talk to us to schedule your vaccination appointment and we’re here to assist you with all your immunisation needs.

Or Call (07) 5599 1400

Our team of doctors at Coolangatta Medical Centre offer all necessary vaccinations, including influenza, typhoid fever, cholera, COVID-19, and Japanese encephalitis. Schedule your vaccinations at Coolangatta Medical Centre and take the first step in safeguarding your health.

If you have any inquiries on our vaccination services, contact us at (07) 5599 1400 or office@coolmedical.com.au. You can also visit us at our clinic at 91 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD.

The team of GP doctors in Coolangatta Medical Centre are here to help you get the care and information you need on meningitis vaccine programs, as well as meningitis vaccine coverage and meningitis vaccine costs. Consult with Coolangatta Medical Centre to be better informed on meningitis vaccine recommendations based on your health needs and even travel plans including potential exposure risks. 

• Dr Mary McDevitt

• Dr Kerrie Davis
  

• Dr Michaelia Verbeek

• Dr Russell O’Brien

Apart from our extensive vaccinations, Coolangatta Medical Centre offers a spectrum of specialised services designed to ensure your holistic wellness. From preventive care to advanced diagnostics, our commitment to your health knows no bounds.

• Travel Vaccination
• Integrated Health Care
• Health Checks for All
• Meningitis Vaccine
• Iron Fusion
• Drug Testing

Full fee upfront is payable on the day of your appointment and will be processed with a credit/debit card token provided at the time of booking.

Medicare rebate is processed for you on your behalf by the administration team and will go back into the account that you have nominated with Medicare within 24 to 48 hours. For more information about Medicare rebates, see our FAQs page.

Out of pocket fee is the amount of money that you will be out of pocket after Medicare has processed your rebate.

Coolangatta Medical Centre offers a comprehensive range of medical services and extensive vaccinations in the following areas:

• Tweed Heads
• Tweed Heads South
• Tweed Heads West
• Bilinga
• Cobaki Lakes
• Tugun

OPEN SEVEN DAYS
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5pm
Saturday 8:30am – 1pm
Sunday 9am – 12pm

PH: (07) 5599 1400
EM: office@coolmedical.com.au
91 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD