The polio vaccine protects against poliomyelitis (polio). All the four doses of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are given by injection.  Before 2000, the US government recommended that the third and fourth dose be the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which is made from a live, weakened version of the virus.  This is because the OPV was considered effective than the IPV. However, it had a very rare but dangerous side effect. The risks outweighed the benefits of the vaccine and the US government removed the vaccine from the schedule.

Who should get the polio vaccine and when ?

This vaccine comprises  of 4 doses. The shot may be given in the arm or leg depending on your age. It may also be given as the same time as other vaccines

Schedule

 
• 2 months
• 4 months
• between 6 and 18 months
• a booster dose at 4-6 years

Who should not get the vaccine ?

You don’t have to get the vaccine if you fall into this category :

 
• any child with life-threatening allergy to any component of IPV, including the antibiotics neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B
• a child who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous polio shot should not get another one.

Who should wait ?

If you are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled,  you should wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. However if you  have minor illnesses, such as a cold you may receive the vaccine.

Risk associated with the polio vaccine .

A vaccine like  any medication can cause serious allergic reaction however this risk is very small. IPV is not known to cause serious reactions and most people have no reaction at all.

Some people get mild problems such as sore spot at the site of injection.

What do I do if my child has a serious allergic reaction ?

Look for the following signs in your signs in your child

 
• very high fever
• behavioral change
• allergic reactions such as  difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, hives, swelling of face and throat, dizziness and weakness

 
If you child is experiencing any of these call your emergency number or 911 immediately. After that you or your doctor should  report it  to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) through the VAERS website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
 
Content Sources