Key points
- There is no cure for polio (or poliomyelitis), but it can be prevented with safe and effective vaccination.
- CDC recommends that children get 4 doses of polio vaccine to protect them against severe polio disease, including paralysis.
- Most adults in the United States were vaccinated as children and are therefore likely to be protected from getting polio.
Introduction
The best way to protect against polio, or poliomyelitis, is to get vaccinated. Polio vaccination has been part of the routine childhood immunization schedule in the United States for decades. It's still part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the United States since 2000. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is used in other countries.
Available vaccines
There are two types of vaccines that protect against polio.
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
- The only polio vaccine that has been used in the United States since 2000.
- It is given by shot in the leg or arm, depending on the patient's age.
Oral polio vaccine (OPV)
- No longer licensed or available in the United States
- It is still used in many parts of the world.
- Children receive doses of the vaccine by drops in the mouth.
Since 2000, only IPV has been used to eliminate the risk of polio variants that can occur with OPV.
Recommendations
As part of routine childhood immunization, children in the United States should get IPV to protect against polio. IPV may sometimes be given in the same shot with other vaccines (also called combination vaccines). You can ask your child's doctor about this option.
Children should get 4 doses total, one at each of the following ages:
Children who are delayed in getting all recommended doses should finish their series by following the recommended catch-up schedule.
Most adults have likely already been vaccinated against poliovirus during childhood. However, if you have never been vaccinated against polio you should get 3 doses of IPV:
- The first dose at any time
- The second dose 1 to 2 months later
- The third dose 6 to 12 months after the second
Anyone not fully vaccinated. If you have had 1 or 2 doses of polio vaccine before, you should get the remaining 1 or 2 doses.
People at risk. If you are fully vaccinated but at increased risk of poliovirus exposure, you may receive 1 lifetime booster dose of IPV.
If you plan to travel outside the U.S.
Why getting vaccinated is important
Polio vaccination protects you child from:
- Getting polio, a potentially serious disease.
- Developing lifelong paralysis from polio.
The risk of lifelong paralysis is very serious. Even children who seem to fully recover can later develop new muscle pain, weakness, or paralysis as adults. This can occur 15 to 40 years later.
About 2 to 10 children out of 100 who have paralysis from polio die. This is because the virus affects the muscles that help them breathe.
Polio can be brought into the U.S.
Thanks to a successful vaccination program, most people in the United States are protected from polio. However, people who are not vaccinated or who haven't received all recommended doses may be at risk of getting polio. The disease still occurs in other parts of the world. It only takes one person with polio traveling from another country to bring polio into the United States.
Who should get vaccinated
Infants and children
As part of routine childhood immunization, all children in the United States should get IPV to protect against polio. This includes children who have not started their polio vaccine series or who are delayed in getting all recommended doses. People who plan to travel internationally should make sure they and their children are fully vaccinated against polio before departure.
Adults
Most adults have likely already been vaccinated against poliovirus during childhood. However, if you know or suspect that you are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated you should receive polio vaccination.
Situations that put adults at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus include:
- You are traveling to a country where there is a documented increased risk of exposure to poliovirus. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to be vaccinated.
- You are working in a laboratory or healthcare setting and handling specimens that might contain polioviruses.
- You are a healthcare worker or caregiver who has close contact with a person who could be infected with poliovirus.
- Public health authorities have identified you as being part of a group or population at increased risk of exposure because of an outbreak.
Who shouldn't get vaccinated
Check with your healthcare provider if your child has:
- A severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a dose of IPV.
- A severe (life threatening) allergy to any component of IPV. Ask your health care provider if you want information about vaccine components.
People who are moderately or severely ill should wait to get the vaccine until they recover. These include infants with moderate or severe diarrhea or vomiting. If you have a mild illness, such as a cold, they can probably get the vaccine today.
The vaccine is safe and effective
IPV protects against severe disease caused by poliovirus in almost everyone who has received all the recommended doses.
- Two doses of IPV provide at least 90% protection.
- Three doses of IPV provide at least 99% protection.
Possible side effects
There is a chance of side effects, but they are usually mild and go away on their own. Serious reactions are also possible.
Some people get a sore spot where the shot was given. IPV has not been known to cause serious problems, and most people do not have any problems with it.
Some problems that could happen after getting this vaccine:
- People sometimes faint after a medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears after you get the shot.
- Some people get more severe and lasting shoulder pain than the typical soreness that can follow injections. This happens very rarely.
Finding and paying for the vaccine
Your or your child’s doctor’s office is usually the best place to receive recommended vaccines. Vaccines may also be available at pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments, schools, or religious centers.
Vaccine costs
There are a few ways to cover the cost of vaccines:
Health insurance
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to a healthcare provider. Check for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.
Vaccines for Children Program
Your children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This program helps families of eligible children who may not be able to afford or have access to vaccines.
Common questions
What are the childcare & school vaccine requirements?
All 50 states and DC have state laws that require children entering childcare or public schools to have certain vaccinations. There is no federal law that requires this. CDC recommends that all children get 4 doses of IPV before or at school entry.
Students in school settings have a higher likelihood of spreading chickenpox because they are constantly in close contact with each other. Getting vaccinated means:
- Less illness and less school time missed by students.
- Less chance of exposing people who cannot get vaccinated.