Vaccinations for polio come in two forms, inactive and oral, but both are effective at preventing disease. This eMedTV segment discusses the types, history, and administration of this vaccination, including a recommended schedule for children.
Oral polio vaccine (OPV) uses live but weakened poliovirus to prevent polio. This selection from the eMedTV archives offers an in-depth look at the vaccine, including information on its history, safety, effectiveness, and alternatives.
The most common side effect of the polio vaccine is irritability. This eMedTV page gives a list of other possible polio vaccine side effects, including serious side effects such as trouble breathing, hoarseness, or wheezing.
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.
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.
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.
