Researcher explains why polio vaccines may not be enough to eradicate the virus

Polio is on the verge of extinction, thanks to a global vaccination drive.

The crippling disease has affected thousands of people around the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated the eradication programme has saved millions from the deadly disease.

Worldwide vaccination needs to continue to ensure it does not return.

"To keep producing a vaccine with current technology, we will have to retain enormous live stocks of the polio virus," researcher Keith Grehan explained in report by The Independent. Adding "This will run the risk of the virus escaping into the wild and restarting the disease – the opposite of what the vaccination programme is designed to do."

He and a team of researchers are trying to develop a vaccine that does not rely on the virus being alive. One way is to create a virus-like particle (VLP) from proteins that make up the coat of the virus. They do not contain the genetic material from the virus and so will be a relatively safe option to manufacture.

"We still need to work out the best way to use these VLPs to produce a viable vaccine," Grehan stated in the report.