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.

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.

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 vacinated or have weak immune systems

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 lead to prolonged crying.

More severe reactions are exceedingly rare.

Who should NOT receive the OPV vaccine?

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?

Because of the risk of developing polio from a first dose of the OPV, our office recommends getting the first two doses of the IPV followed by two doses of OPV.

Newborn dosing schedule:

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

* The C.D.C. and A.A.P. recommend starting Hepatitis B series at 2 months and 6 months, respectively, for children without risk factors for Hepatitis B disease. See the Hepatitis B page for more information.

Warning signs- Call our office for advice if:

Your child is less than 2 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.