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Overview: Polio vaccine is used to prevent polio. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the virus that causes polio. Common side effects include pain, swelling, and redness near the injection site; fever, irritability, sleepiness, fussiness, crying, and loss of appetite. Polio vaccine is available as a liquid that is injected into a muscle or under the skin by a health care provider. 

Uses

What is polio vaccine used for?

Polio vaccine is commonly used to prevent polio. Polio is a serious, life-threatening illness. It can cause paralysis (loss of movement in the arms or legs) and other serious problems. Polio has been eliminated from the United States, but it still occurs in other parts of the world. People who travel to countries where polio still exists are also at higher risk. 

How does polio vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

Polio vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the polio virus. If you have antibodies against these viruses, your body is better able to fight them, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store polio vaccine?

Polio vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of polio vaccine?

The most common side effects of polio vaccine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, swelling, and redness near the injection site
  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Sleepiness
  • Fussiness and crying 
  • Loss of appetite

There may be other side effects of polio vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of polio vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of polio vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Polio vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use polio vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive polio vaccine.

  • Polio vaccine
  • Poliovirus vaccine
  • IPOL
  • IPV
  • 2-phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific polio vaccine products they stock.

Illness With Fever. People who have a fever should not receive polio vaccine until they recover from their illness. However, people with mild illness, including a low grade fever, can still get the vaccine. If you are sick and not sure if you should receive polio vaccine, ask your health care provider if you should get it now or wait until you feel better. 

What should I know about polio vaccine before using it?

Polio vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving polio vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you or your child for this time to ensure safety.

This vaccine is given on a specific schedule. Follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using polio vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if polio vaccine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • Any severe allergies
  • A reaction to a previous vaccine, including fainting or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how polio vaccine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should receive polio vaccine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if polio vaccine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should receive polio vaccine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does polio vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between polio vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect polio vaccine.

Does polio vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between polio vaccine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much polio vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much polio vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of polio vaccine?

Polio vaccine is given on a specific schedule. If you miss an appointment for polio vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. It is important to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.