Polio vaccine

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV)
tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b combined vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib, called the 5-in-1)	Pentacel
tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio combined vaccine (DTaP-IPV, called the 4-in-1)	Quadracel

How It Works

The polio vaccine is given to protect people from getting all three strains of the polio virus. The vaccine is given as a shot (injection).

Why It Is Used

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a virus that damages nerves that control muscles, resulting in muscle weakness. In a severe case, a person can lose the ability to move both arms and legs (paralysis) and to breathe without help.

In the early 1900s, thousands of people were paralyzed or died from polio. Today polio immunization programs have made the disease very rare in Canada, the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Outbreaks are common in other parts of the world.

For babies and children

A total of four shots are given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 4 to 6 years of age. The polio vaccine may be combined with other vaccines so children only have to receive one shot (known as the 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 shots).

For adults

A booster dose of the polio vaccination is not needed for adults (even those who were not immunized as children) unless they:¹

• Travel to areas where there is polio.
• Live in an area where someone with polio has visited or moved to.
• Are health care workers who have contact with people with polio.
• Handle the polio virus in a lab.

How Well It Works

The series given to children provides lifelong protection.

Side Effects

Most people who get the vaccine do not have any problems. But there may be soreness or tenderness where the shot was given. There have been no reports of any serious reactions with the vaccine used today. ²

Even though serious allergic reactions are rare with these medicines, call your doctor or local health unit right away if you or your child has trouble breathing, a high fever, or anything unusual after having the shot.

A child who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of polio vaccine should not get another dose of this vaccine. Tell your doctor or nurse if your child has had a severe reaction to any vaccine or has severe allergies.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Only the inactivated polio vaccine shot (injection) is used in Canada today. An oral vaccine was once used but is no longer because it had rare but serious risk of causing polio.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Alison Allen Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: January 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.