1. Asymptomatic Cases: Most people who get infected with poliovirus do not have any symptoms.
2. Mild Symptoms: Some people (24 out of 100) will have flu-like symptoms. These symptoms usually last 2 to 5 days and then go away on their own.
3. Severe Cases: In rare cases, about 1 out of 100 people will experience weakness or paralysis in their arms, legs, or both. This paralysis or weakness can last a lifetime.

Is it serious?

Yes, the risk of lifelong paralysis is very serious. Even children who seem to fully recover can develop new muscle pain, weakness, or paralysis as adults, 30 or 40 years later. About 2 to 5 children out of 100 who have paralysis from polio die because the virus affects the muscles that help them breathe.

How does polio spread?

Poliovirus is very contagious. It spreads through contact with the stool of an infected person and droplets from a sneeze or cough. If you get stool or droplets from an infected person on your hands and you touch your mouth, you can get infected. Additionally, if you put objects, like toys, that have stool or droplets on them into your mouth, you can get infected.

An infected person may spread the virus to others immediately before, and usually 1 to 2 weeks after, developing symptoms. The virus may live in an infected person’s stool for many weeks and can contaminate food and water if people do not wash their hands.

Is the polio virus still causing paralysis in the world?

Yes. Two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, are still infected with wild poliovirus. All other countries are free from wild poliovirus. Recently, Nigeria has also reported 2 cases of wild poliovirus this year. In India, the last wild poliovirus case was reported in 2011.

IPV Immunization Schedule

The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years. Using IPV eliminates the risk of developing polio after receiving the live oral polio vaccine.

Why Is the IPV Vaccine Recommended?

The vaccine offers protection against polio, which can cause paralysis and death.

When to Delay or Avoid IPV Immunization?

The vaccine is not recommended if your child:

1. Has a severe allergic reaction to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B.
2. Had a severe allergic reaction to a previous IPV shot.

Routine Vaccination

1. Minimum Age for IPV: 6 weeks.
2. Dose Adjustment: 2 instead of 3 doses can also be used if the primary series starts at 8 weeks and the interval between the doses is kept at 8 weeks.
3. Vaccination Protocol: No child should leave your facility without polio immunization (IPV or OPV), if indicated by the schedule! A full dose of IM-IPV should be offered at least 8 weeks after the second dose of ID-fIPV. If a child has received one dose of ID-fIPV at 6 weeks, two more full doses of IM-IPV should be offered at least 8 weeks after the first dose. The minimum interval between the 2nd and 3rd dose should also be at least 8 weeks.

What different types of polio vaccines are available?

There are two types of vaccines that protect against polio: inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and oral polio vaccine (OPV). IPV is given as an injection in the leg or arm, depending on the patient’s age, while OPV is administered by mouth. Polio vaccines may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Most people should get the polio vaccine when they are children.

Why should my child get the polio vaccines?

The polio vaccines:

1. Protect your child from polio, a potentially serious disease.
2. Prevent your child from developing lifelong paralysis from polio.

Is the polio vaccine safe?

Yes. The polio vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing polio. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most children who get the polio shot have no side effects.

What are the side effects?

Both vaccines are extremely safe. Billions of doses of OPV and IPV have been administered globally with very few side effects. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild, like temporary redness and pain at the injection site. OPV may, on very rare occasions, cause vaccine-associated poliomyelitis in the contacts or recipients of the vaccine.

Catch-up Vaccination