Inactivated Polio Vaccine

What is polio?

• Polio, also called poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease that mainly affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Nerves from the brain and spinal cord help your body move and feel. In polio, part of the CNS gets damaged which may lead to paralysis (inability to move) or even death.
  
  
• Polio is caused by different kinds of poliovirus (germ). The virus usually enters the body through the mouth and exits with bowel movements. Polio is spread from person to person when they eat or drink contaminated (dirty) food. Contaminated things, including hands, may also pass the virus when they are put into the mouth. Sometimes, the poliovirus may enter the body through the respiratory (airway) tract. A person may also get infected by breathing in the virus. Poliovirus may either grow in the intestine (bowel) or the pharynx (throat). Polio may be prevented by vaccinating children with the polio vaccine.

What is the polio vaccine?

The polio vaccine decreases your risk of becoming infected with polio. Vaccines work by causing your body to make antibodies against certain germs. Antibodies are special cells in your blood that protect the body and fight infection. After you receive the polio vaccine, these antibodies remember the polio germs. Once you are exposed to these types of germs, your body quickly recognizes them. The antibodies become active and your body is better able to fight the germs. There are 2 types of polio vaccines:

• Oral polio vaccine: This vaccine is also called OPV. The OPV is made from live polio germs that have been weakened. It is given as drops in the mouth. This vaccine goes through the digestive tract and leaves the body in the bowel movement. The OPV is no longer used in the United States for routine immunization, but it is still used in other parts of the world.
  
  
• Inactivated polio vaccine: This vaccine is also called IPV. The IPV is made from dead polio germs. It is injected under the skin or into the muscle. The IPV is the recommended polio vaccine used in the United States today.

How is the inactivated polio vaccine given?

• Infants and small children will usually be given a shot in their upper leg muscle.
  
  
• Older children and adults will usually be given shots in their upper arm muscle.

Who should get the inactivated polio vaccine?

Children should receive the IPV. Adults (18 years old and older) usually do not need to have the vaccination except those at higher risk of getting polio. Adults who are likely to be exposed to the virus include the following:

• Caregivers who may treat or are in close contact with those who could have polio.
  
  
• Laboratory workers who might need to handle the polio virus.
  
  
• People traveling to areas where polio is common.

When should the inactivated polio vaccine be given?

The number and timing of the IPV doses will depend on the person's age and whether previous shots have been received. The IPV doses may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

• Infants and children: Infants and children usually get 4 to 5 doses of the IPV. The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age. The final dose is given when they are 4 to 6 years old. If 4 doses are given before the child is 4 years old, a fifth dose is given when they are 4 to 6 years old. The IPV is usually given to children as follows:
  
  
  • The first dose at 2 months old.
    
    
  • A dose at 4 months old.
    
    
  • A dose at 6 to 18 months old.
    
    
  • A booster shot at 4 to 6 years old.
  
  
• Adults:
  
  
  • No previous polio vaccine received: Adults who have not received any polio shot should be given 3 doses of the IPV. The doses of IPV should be given as follows:
    
    
    • The first dose at any time.
      
      
    • The second dose 1 to 2 months later.
      
      
    • The third dose 6 to 12 months after the second dose.
    
    
  • Incomplete polio immunization: If only 1 or 2 doses of polio vaccine were received, the rest of the recommended doses should be given. The schedule is continued from the last dose no matter how long ago it was received.
    
    
  • Received 3 or more doses of polio vaccine: A booster (extra) shot of IPV may be given to adults who had 3 or more doses in the past.

Who should not get the inactivated polio vaccine?

People who are at a higher risk of having a bad response to the IPV should not get the vaccine. These people may not get the IPV at all or they may need to receive the vaccine at a later date.

• People who should not get the IPV: These include people who have had a life-threatening allergic response to any of the following:
  
  
  • Antibiotic medicines, especially neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B.
    
    
  • Latex
    
    
  • Previous shot of the polio vaccine.
  
  
• People who should wait to get the IPV: The IPV may be delayed for any of the following reasons:
  
  
  • Illness with or without fever: Wait until you recover from your illness. Diarrhea, colds, or other mild diseases should not stop you from getting an IPV shot.
    
    
  • Pregnancy: Pregnant women should wait to get the vaccine until after they give birth. However, if protection against polio is needed right away, the IPV may be given.

What if a child missed a shot of the inactivated polio vaccine?

Ask your child's caregiver what to do if IPV doses are missed.

What are the risks of getting the inactivated polio vaccine?

The area where the vaccine was given may be sore, red, tender, or swollen. The vaccine may cause an allergic response. Signs of an allergic response to the IPV may include hives or red skin, especially around your ears. Hives are red, itchy bumps on your skin. Other signs are itchy hands and feet or swelling of your eyelids, face, or inside your nose. You may have trouble breathing or swallowing. You may suddenly feel very tired or weak.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You suddenly feel weak or tired.
  
  
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing or swallowing.
  
  
• You feel very weak or dizzy.
  
  
• You have hives or a rash that is spreading. Hives are red, itchy bumps that may cause your skin to feel like it is burning.
  
  
• You pass out or feel like you are about to faint.
  
  
• Your face is red and swollen.
  
  
• Your mouth is swollen or your throat feels tight.

Tell caregivers that you received the IPV vaccine. Tell them the date and time it was given. Do not drive yourself!

Where can I get more information about IPV?

• The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
  1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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