What is polio?
Polio is caused by a virus that typically infects children.
Polio usually causes a mild intestinal infection, however, about 1 out of every 100 people infected with polio will be permanently paralyzed when the virus infects the brain or spinal cord. Usually, polio causes paralysis of the arms and legs, but sometimes, polio causes paralysis of the muscles needed for breathing.
Polio is spread from hand to mouth and is very contagious.
What is my child’s risk of getting polio?
Polio has been eliminated in the United States. However, polio still occurs in a few other parts of the world. People from the United States might inadvertently bring polio virus back into the U.S. when returning from a trip. Although we are close to eradicating (completely ridding the world of) polio, a few strongholds remain. Therefore, current immunization programs must remain in place.
What is the polio vaccine?
Three different types of polio virus infect people. The polio vaccine is made by taking each of these different types of polio virus, purifying them, and completely inactivating them with a chemical (formaldehyde). The inactivated polio vaccine is often referred to as IPV.
Does the polio vaccine cause any reactions?
Some children given the polio vaccine will develop pain, redness or tenderness at the site of injection.