Polio Vaccine
Information about Polio Vaccine
Polio vaccine uses
Polio Vaccine is used to prevent Polio.
How polio vaccine works
Polio Vaccine contains inactivated (killed) viruses of all three poliovirus types (I, II & III). It works by provoking the the immune system to produce antibodies (proteins), without actually causing a disease. In the event of infection, these antibodies prevent the spread of the virus to the brain and protect against paralysis.
Common side effects of polio vaccine
Vomiting, Fever, Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Irritability, Tiredness, Decreased appetite, Unusual crying, Swelling of lymph nodes, Hypersensitivity, Convulsion, Febrile convulsions, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
Available Medicine for Polio Vaccine
Expert advice for Polio Vaccine
- Ensure that you take further booster doses of polio vaccine after every 5 years in children and after 10 years in adults.
- Inform your doctor before vaccination if you have blood clotting disorder or high grade fever or any acute illness as your vaccination may have to be postponed until you recover.
- Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any immunosuppressant or if you are infected with disease that affects your immune system.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not take if allergic to polio vaccine or any of its ingredients.
- Do not take if having low platelet count.
- Do not take if suffering with high grade fever or acute illness.
Frequently asked questions for Polio Vaccine
Polio Vaccine
Q. When should Polio Vaccine be given?
Children are usually advised 4 doses of Polio Vaccine. The first dose is given at age of 2 months and then the next doses are given at 4 months, 6–18 months and 4–6 years, respectively. However, sometimes Polio Vaccine is given in a combination vaccine along with other vaccines. In this case, a child might receive a fifth dose of Polio Vaccine. Adults, on the other hand, do not need to get vaccinated if they have already been vaccinated as a child.
Q. What is Polio Vaccine used for?
Polio Vaccine contains live attenuated poliovirus (strain types 1, 2 and 3) and is intended for polio prophylaxis in infants 6-12 weeks of age, all unimmunized children up to 18 years of age and high-risk adults. Adults, however, should receive the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV).
Q. What are the different types of polio vaccines?
Polio vaccines are vaccines used to prevent poliomyelitis (polio). There are two types of polio vaccines, one is inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) which is given by injection and the other is weakened oral poliovirus vaccine(OPV) given by mouth.