Polio vaccine
polio vaccine · polio shot · polio drops · IPV · OPV
The vaccine protects against polio, an infection that can cause paralysis. It is given as an injection or as drops in the mouth.
For children on the national vaccination schedule, and sometimes for adults before travel to high-risk countries.
⏱ Duration: the vaccine itself takes a few seconds; with the check-up usually 15 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Health. The vaccine is given when your child is healthy. Your child will be examined first.
- Type of vaccine. Ask whether it will be a shot or drops. It depends on age and the schedule.
- Food. If drops are given, usually no feeding or drinks for about an hour afterward. Ask the nurse.
What to bring
- Your ID
- The vaccination certificate or record
How it goes
- The doctor examines your child and takes the temperature
- If it is a shot, it is given in the thigh or arm
- If it is drops, they are dropped into the mouth
- The vaccine is recorded in the documents
- After the vaccine, stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes
What you'll feel
- A shot gives a quick pain; drops do not hurt
- Sometimes redness at the shot spot or a mild fever
Afterwards
- Stay near the office for 30 minutes
- If your child spits up the drops right away, tell the nurse
- Next vaccine on schedule
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Trouble breathing, a swollen face, a rash all over: call your local emergency number
- Weakness in a leg or arm after the vaccine: see a doctor urgently
Common questions
How is the shot different from the drops?
The shot contains a killed virus; the drops contain a weakened live one. The doctor chooses the plan from the schedule.
Do adults need the vaccine?
Usually not, if the course was completed in childhood. Ask your doctor before travel to some countries.