What is polio?

Polio is a virus which can cause severe paralysis.

The polio virus is passed from the stool of an infected person to the mouth of another person. This can happen even in “sanitary” conditions.

What is the polio vaccine?

Polio vaccine is available in two forms, both of which are effective.

• A weakened form of the virus taken by mouth (OPV)

• An inactivated or killed form of the virus injected under the skin (IPV)

If a child is exposed to the virus after receiving the vaccine, his immune system will recognize and attack the virus.

What are the side effects of OPV?

There is a 1 in 1.5 million risk of developing the disease after  taking the first dose of the live-virus vaccine. The risk is much lower  for later doses because of the protection gained from the first dose,  but the risk still exists.

Children with poor immune function have a higher risk of getting polio from OPV.

Since live, weakened virus can be passed through the stool, others  may be at the 1 in 1.5 million risk of getting polio if they have never  been vaccinated or have weak immune systems.

Because of the possibility of developing polio after receiving the  oral vaccine, it is currently recommended that children receive all four  doses by injection.

What are the side effects of IPV?

The most common side effects of the IPV vaccine, similar to any  injected vaccine, are pain, irritation, mild redness at the injection  site, and a mild fever. These symptoms may cause irritability in  infants.

More severe reactions are exceedingly rare.

Who should NOT receive the OPV vaccine?

The current recommendation is that children should not receive the  oral vaccine because of the risk of getting polio from the dose. If you  still decide to give you child the oral vaccine, please consider the  following restrictions:

Anyone with a previous episode of anaphylaxis immediately following the vaccine or use of the following antibiotics: streptomycin, polymyxin B, and neomycin.

Anyone with a history of cancer or use of anti-cancer drugs.

Anyone using immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteriods or other medications following an organ transplant.

Anyone with a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Anyone with close contact with other children or adults who have immune system problems as above.

Anyone who is or plans on becoming pregnant in the next three months.

Who should NOT receive the IPV vaccine?

Anyone with a previous episode of anaphylaxis immediately following the vaccine or use of the following antibiotics: streptomycin, polymyxin B, and neomycin.

What is the vaccination schedule for the polio vaccine?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend that  children be vaccinated with only IPV unless there are other risk factors  involved.

Newborn dosing schedule:

• Dose #1 at 2 months

• Dose #2 at 4 months

• Dose #3 at 12-18 months

• Dose #4 at 4-6 years

Older children who have never been vaccinated against polio should be vaccinated. Call our office for an appointment.

Warning signs- Call our office for advice if:

Your child is less than 6 months old and has a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F, Call Our Office Now.

Your child is older than 6 months and has a temperature greater than 102.5 degrees F, Call Our Office Now.

Your child develops any signs of an allergic reaction including hives, rash, or difficulty breathing, Call Our Office Now.

You have any questions or concerns, or are unsure whether your child’s symptoms are worrisome, Call Our Office Now.