Inactivated Polio Vaccine for Adults

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
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AMBULATORY CARE:

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

is an injection given to help prevent polio. Polio is a disease caused by a virus. The virus damages the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to paralysis or death. The virus is usually spread through direct contact.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• Your mouth and throat are swollen.
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain.
• Your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
• You feel like you are going to faint.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your face is red or swollen.
• You have hives that spread over your body.
• You feel weak or dizzy.
• You have severe shoulder pain.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a high fever.
• You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
• You have questions or concerns about the IPV.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
• ProQuad
• Rotarix
• RotaTeq
• rotavirus vaccine

Reasons you should get the IPV:

• You are at high risk for polio. Your risk is high if you may come in contact with the virus. Examples include travel to an area where polio is common, or work as a healthcare provider or in a lab.
• You never received the polio vaccine. You should get 3 doses:
  • 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
• Your polio immunization is not complete. 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.
• You need a booster shot. A booster may be given if you received at least 3 doses of the polio vaccine.

Do not get the IPV if:

• You had an allergic reaction to a dose of the vaccine.
• You have an allergy to latex or certain antibiotics, such as neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B.

Reasons you may need to wait to get the IPV:

• You are sick or have a fever. Wait until you are feeling better or the fever is gone.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. The IPV may be given if your risk for polio is high.

Apply a warm compress

to the area to relieve swelling and pain.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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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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