Polio Vaccinations

• Polio Vaccination

There are two types of polio vaccine: inactive polio vaccine and oral polio vaccine. Both prevent polio. This eMedTV segment discusses the types, history, and administration of polio vaccination, including a vaccination schedule for children.

• OPV

Oral polio vaccine (OPV) uses live but weakened poliovirus to prevent polio. This selection from the eMedTV archives offers an in-depth look at OPV, including information on its history, safety, effectiveness, and alternatives.

• Polio Vaccine Side Effects

The most common side effect of the polio vaccine is a sore spot where the shot was given. This eMedTV page gives a list of other possible polio vaccine side effects, including serious side effects such as trouble breathing, hoarseness, or wheezing.

• Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus

As this eMedTV article explains, vaccine-derived poliovirus (a strain of poliovirus initially contained in the live oral polio vaccine) can cause polio in unvaccinated people. This page offers a look at the occurrence and transmission of this virus.

• Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Poliomyelitis

As this eMedTV page explains, vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis is a rare adverse reaction following vaccination with the live oral polio vaccine. This page describes this condition and explains how the paralysis it causes may be permanent.

• Polio Vaccine Precautions

Some people, such as those who are allergic to certain antibiotics, should avoid the polio vaccine. As this eMedTV page explains, other people (such as those who are very ill) should simply wait. This page describes polio vaccine precautions.