Immunization

Polio

The Disease

Polio was one of the most dreaded childhood diseases of the 20th Century in the United States. An epidemic in 1916 killed 6,000 people and left 27,000 more paralyzed. In the 1950's, parents refused to let their children go to movies or go swimming for fear of catching the disease.

 

The Immunization

There are two types of polio vaccine: Inactivated (killed) polio vaccine (IPV), which is a shot; and live oral polio vaccine (OPV), which is a liquid that is swallowed. In the US, only the IPV is used.

 

Vaccine Recommendations

• AAP: Prevention of Poliomyelitis: Recommendations for Use of Only Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine for Routine Immunization

• CDC: Poliomyelitis Prevention in the United States (Exit Site)

 

Quick Facts - What You Need to Know (PDF 26KB)

• What is polio?

• Why get vaccinated?

• Who should get polio vaccine and when?

• Some people should not get polio vaccine or should wait

• What are the risks from polio vaccine?

• What if there is a moderate or severe reaction?

 

Other Resources

• Polio Vaccine Information Statement (Exit Site)

• CDC Polio Page (Exit Site)

• Immunization Action Coalition Polio page (Exit Site)

• National Network for Immunization Information Polio page (Exit Site)