Increased Access to Polio Vaccines Can Reduce Outbreaks

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently confirmed that the spread of the poliovirus remained a global Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

To address the under-vaccinated population, two announcements indicate a path to reduce the detections of poliovirus and minimize the number of polio outbreaks. 

On July 10, 2025, PharmaJet® announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the integration of needle-free delivery of inactivated polio vaccine into Egypt’s routine immunization program. The agreement includes provisions for distribution, technology transfer, manufacturing, and the development of new pharmaceutical products, as well as collaboration to increase needle-free access within Egypt and the region.

Seperately, the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, has provided UNICEF with $5 million for a renewed partnership to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. This 12-month initiative aims to reach over 13 million children with lifesaving polio vaccines, supporting both routine vaccination and national polio campaigns.

Previously, to alert international travelers of the expanded health risk in 41 countries, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reissued a Global Polio Alert—Level 2, Travel Health Notice on June 16, 2025, regarding polio outbreaks and poliovirus detections.

As of July 12, 2025, the CDC recommends that travelers complete their routine polio vaccination series. Some people may also need a booster dose before visiting areas with outbreaks, such as Afghanistan and Germany.

In the United States, polio vaccines are available at travel clinics and pharmacies.