Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Poliomyelitis Prophylaxis

Primary vaccination series:
Two 0.5 mL doses, intramuscularly or subcutaneously, at a 1 to 2 month interval, and a third dose 6 to 12 months later

• If less than 3 months but more than 2 months are available before protection is needed, give 3 doses at least 1 month apart
• If only 1 or 2 months are available, give two doses at least one month apart
• If less than a month is available, give a single dose

Incompletely vaccinated adults (at increased risk of exposure, with at least one dose of oral polio vaccine or fewer than 3 doses of inactivated polio vaccine)
One 0.5 mL dose, intramuscularly or subcutaneously

• Give additional doses, at least one month apart, to complete the primary series if time permits

Completely vaccinated adults (at increased risk of exposure)
One 0.5 mL dose, intramuscularly or subcutaneously

Comments:

• Routine immunization of adults is not recommended.
• Unimmunized or inadequately immunized adults with increased risk of exposure to wild poliovirus should be immunized.
• Increased risk of exposure includes: travelers to regions/countries where poliomyelitis is endemic, healthcare workers caring for patients who may be excreting polioviruses, laboratory workers handling polioviruses, and members of groups with disease caused by wild polioviruses.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Poliomyelitis Prophylaxis

6 weeks and older:

Primary vaccination series:
Four 0.5 mL doses, intramuscularly or subcutaneously, at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years

Previously vaccinated children (incomplete polio vaccination):
Give sufficient additional doses to complete the primary series

• There is no need to start the series over again, regardless of time elapsed between doses

Comments:

• Do not give more frequently than 4 weeks apart.
• Longer time intervals between doses than those recommended above do not require additional doses, as long as a total of four doses is reached.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 weeks.

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at: https://vaers.hhs.gov

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

No adjustment recommended

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Do not give intravascularly.
• Avoid administration into or near blood vessels.
• The mid-lateral aspect of the thigh is the preferred site for infants and small children.
• The deltoid is the preferred site for older children and adults.
• Do not give more frequently than 4 weeks apart.
• May administer at the same time as other vaccines, at separate sites.
• Do not mix with other vaccines.

Storage requirements:

• Refrigerate; do not freeze
• Protect from light

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer