An Overview of Polio Vaccine Side Effects
Most people who get the
polio vaccine do not develop side effects. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, can cause side effects. Most
polio vaccine side effects are minor, meaning that the symptoms improve on their own or are easily treated by the healthcare provider. In rare cases, polio vaccine side effects can be more serious. Very rarely, they can cause severe harm or death. It is important to note, however, that getting the polio vaccine is much safer than getting polio.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects of the polio vaccine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of polio vaccine side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of the Polio Vaccine
The most common minor side effect from a
polio vaccination is a sore spot where the shot was given.
Serious Polio Vaccine Side Effects
Severe polio side effects occur very rarely (less than one out of a million doses). One serious polio side effect that can occur is a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms that may indicate an allergic reaction (or some other serious problem) include:
- Trouble breathing
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- High fever
- Behavior changes.
These serious side effects can happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot, but they can also occur one or two weeks later. If any of these serious problems do occur, call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the polio vaccine was given.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print