Polio (IPV)
What
is poliomyelitis?
Poliomyelitis, also called polio, is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by
three types of poliovirus. The
poliovirus is a virus most recognized for its destruction to the nervous
system causing paralysis. The
majority of individuals who are infected with polio, however, have no
symptoms and few have mild symptoms. Of
those persons that do acquire the infection, 2 percent or fewer may
develop paralytic disease. Since the advent of the polio vaccine during
the early 1950s, infections from the poliovirus have nearly been
eradicated.
Immunization
against polio:Today, polio is extremely rare in the United States because
of the use of the vaccine. However, it is still common in other countries, so all
children need to be immunized for protection from the disease.
The type of polio vaccine
recommended in the US is called inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
This is an inactivated (killed) form of the virus and provides a very
safe way to give immunity to polio. Another form called oral polio
vaccine (OPV) was given in years past. But the OPV was a live-form of
the virus and had a small risk of causing polio. OPV is still given in
other countries because it is more effective than IPV in preventing the
spread of polio.
When is
IPV given?
IPV is given to babies and children in four doses at ages:
-
2 months
-
4 months
-
between 6 to 18 months
-
4 to 6 years
Children who are sick or
have a fever should wait until they are well to receive the polio vaccine.
Some children should not receive IPV. These include those who have ever had
an allergic reaction to the antibiotic neomycin, streptomycin, or
polymyxin B, and those who have had a previous reaction to the polio
vaccine. Always
consult your child's physician regarding vaccines.
What
are the risks from IPV?A vaccine, like any medication, is capable of causing serious
problems, such as severe allergic reactions. However, the IPV is very
safe and most people have no problems other than soreness in the
location where the shot
was given.
How do
I care for my child after immunization with IPV?
-
Give your child
aspirin-free pain reliever, as directed by your child's physician.
-
An allergic reaction
would most likely occur within a few minutes to a few hours of the
shot. Signs may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, (squeaking
sounds while breathing due to tight airways), weakness, fast heart
beat, hives, and paleness. Report these or any other unusual signs
immediately to your child's physician.
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