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Polio Vaccine
INFORMATION ABOUT POLIO VACCINE
Polio Vaccine Uses
Polio Vaccine is used to prevent Polio, prevention of chickenpox, Yellow fever, prevention of diarrhea due to rotavirus, prevention of Measles, prevention of Rubella, prevention of Japanese Encephalitis, prevention of tuberculosis, early-stage bladder cancer and prevention of Mumps.
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
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Fever, Irritability, Vomiting, Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Tiredness, Decreased appetite, Unusual crying
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Subita Alagh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
11 Jun 2025 | 01:58 PM (UTC)
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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
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.
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).
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.
Yes, polio virus attacks the nervous system which can lead to paralysis, especially of lower limbs. Therefore, it is important to get Polio Vaccine as it provides protection against this virus.
No, IPV is considered more effective than Polio Vaccine. Although, it is expensive and relatively difficult to administer. It was seen that giving Polio Vaccine alone led to more cases of polio when compared to Polio Vaccine because it is a live form of the virus. Therefore, in order to prevent polio outbreaks, Polio Vaccine is the preferred form of polio vaccine.