Polio immunization protects against poliomyelitis, a severe disease that leads to the loss of movement (paralysis).

Polio is a severe, contagious, life-threatening disease. It usually affects children under 5 years of age. The development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955 has helped significantly reduce the rates of polio. However, the disease remains common in some developing countries, so there is a risk that it can spread to the United States. In 2005, a few unvaccinated children in Minnesota developed the disease. This outbreak highlights the continued importance of vaccination.

The vaccine contains an inactive (dead) form of the polio virus. It is called IPV (inactivated polio vaccine). IPV cannot cause polio.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

Polio vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and vaccination should begin during infancy. In most parts of the United States, polio immunization is required before a child can start school.

Children should receive 4 doses of IPV; one dose each at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 - 18 months, and 4 - 6 years. Children who have received 3 doses of IPV before age 4 should receive a fourth dose before or at the time they first start school. The fourth dose is not needed if the third dose is given after age 4.

The first and second doses of the IPV are necessary to help the immune system protect against polio. The third and fourth doses provide further protection. For almost everyone, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

Adults are not given a booster polio shot unless they are likely to be in places where the disease is know to occur.

PRECAUTIONS

The following people should not receive IPV:

• People who have had severe allergic reactions after receiving IPV
• People who have had severe allergic reactions to streptomycin, polymyxin B, or neomycin

If a pregnant woman is at increased risk for infection and needs immediate protection, IPV should be given according to the recommended schedules for adults. Although have been no reported side effects in women who have received IPV during pregnancy, IPV should be avoided during pregnancy if possible.

IPV can be given to the following people:

• Women who are breast-feeding
• Children with diarrhea
• Anyone who:
  • Has minor upper respiratory illness, with or without fever
  • Has had mild to moderate local reactions to a previous dose of vaccine
  • Is taking antimicrobial therapy
  • Is in the improvement stage of an acute illness

People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they have recovered before receiving the vaccine.

POSTIMMUNIZATION SYMPTOMS AND CARE

IPV may cause mild soreness and redness at the site of the injection. This is usually not severe and lasts only a few days. There are usually no other symptoms and no other care is needed after immunization.

CALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

• You are uncertain whether polio immunization should be given, particularly if there are conditions where immunization may need to be delayed or not given
• An allergic reaction or other symptoms develop after polio immunization
• You have other questions or concerns about polio immunization