Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) provides almost complete protection from polio for children and adults when given in the recommended schedule.
What is polio?
- Polio is a serious infection caused by a virus. It is still present in some developing countries where there may be poor food handling and storage, inadequate water sanitation and low rates of immunization.
- It can be spread through coughing, sneezing or by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
- Polio can cause nerve damage and paralyze the muscles used for breathing, talking, eating and walking.
- Though it can be fatal, it has become a rare disease, due to worldwide immunization campaigns.
Who should get the publicly funded (free) inactivated polio vaccine in Ontario?
- Infants and children usually receive polio vaccine in combination with other vaccines, usually starting at 2 months of age.
- IPV vaccine may be given to children after their 7th birthday to complete a series.
- IPV, in a 3-dose series, may also be given to adults who are likely to come into contact with the polio germ:
- Anyone not immunized in childhood (including those with unknown polio immunization history) who is planning to travel to countries where there are polio outbreaks
- Adults who are planning to travel to countries where polio virus outbreaks are occurring should receive a dose of IPV if their last polio immunization was 10 or more years ago
- Laboratory workers who handle specimens that may contain the polio germ
- Health care workers who look after patients who may have polio
Who should not get the IPV vaccine?
- Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to any previous dose of vaccine containing polio, or to any component of the vaccine:
- Imovax® Polio – poliovirus Type 1, 2, 3, formaldehyde, 2-phenoxyethanol, residual calf serum protein, neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B, medium199 Hanks (without phenol red) (Does not contain latex)
- Anyone with a high fever or moderate to severe illness should wait until they feel well.
- Pregnant women in their first trimester
What are the common side effects of this vaccine?
- Some people may feel sore and swollen for a few days where the needle was given.
- Some people may have general muscle aches, fever and feel tired for a day or two. Tylenol® or ibuprofen may be taken afterwards,as directed, to reduce discomfort or fever.
- Children under 19 years of age must not be given ASA, Aspirin® or salicylates.
What else do I need to know?
- Vaccination of pregnant women with IPV should be delayed until after the first trimester and be given only if it is clearly needed.
- Lactating women may safely receive the vaccine.
- To reduce the spread of germs, sneeze or cough into a tissue or into your elbow or upper sleeve, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- If travelling, follow the advice on the Safe Food and Water Fact Sheets.
- The Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, requires all children entering daycare to provide proof of immunization, according to the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for Ontario.
- The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires all students between the ages of 4 to 17 to be immunized according to Ontario’s Immunization Schedule, unless a valid Statement of Medical Exemption or Conscience or Religious Belief is on file with Public Health.
When should I seek medical help after immunization?
- If you or your child experiences any unusual side effects, please seek medical attention and notify us.
- Go to Emergency at a hospital right away or call 911 if you or your child has any of the following symptoms after immunization:
- swelling of the face and neck
- problems breathing
- hives and itchy, reddened skin
Your Record of Protection
After you receive any immunization, make sure your health care provider updates your personal immunization record. Keep it in a safe place. Please inform us of any immunizations not received from Public Health.
