Belmont, N.Y. –One of the best ways to keep Allegany County polio-free is to maintain high immunity across the population through vaccination. All Allegany County residents who are unvaccinated, including children 2 months and older, those who are pregnant, and people who have not completed their polio vaccine series previously, should consider being vaccinated.
Polio is a serious and life-threatening disease. Polio is very contagious, and a person can spread the virus even if they are not sick or experiencing symptoms. The Poliovirus enters the body through the mouth, usually from hands contaminated with the stool of an infected person. Respiratory and oral-to-oral transmission through saliva may also occur.
The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), the only vaccine available in the United States, is at least 99 percent effective at preventing disease among people who get all the recommended doses. Talk to you healthcare provider about what you and your family need to be up to date.
Allegany County residents should know that handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is important, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not be as effective against viruses like polio.
As of August 2022, Allegany County has a 77.24 percent Polio vaccination rate. Polio Vaccination rates by zip code for each county will be released soon by the NYSDOH. Use the links below to access information on polio vaccination rates by zip codes for Allegany County; Polio Information; and NYSDOH school vaccination requirements.
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/polio/county_vaccination_rates.htm https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/school_vaccines/ https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/polio/ https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/polio/wastewater.htm
Please call the Allegany County Department of Health at 585-268-9250 to make an appointment for immunizations or contact your healthcare provider today!
