Polio Immunization
Alternate Names : Polio Vaccination
A vaccine is a shot or oral solution given to protect a person
against a life-threatening disease. There are two types of polio vaccines.
Inactivated Polio Vaccine, called IPV, is delivered in a shot form. Oral Polio
Vaccine, called OPV, is delivered through drops that are swallowed. The OPV
is a live vaccine. According to the latest guidelines from the Centers of Disease
Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, an all IPV vaccine schedule is
the schedule of choice for routine immunizations these days. OPV is no longer
being used routinely.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
Any child who has not been vaccinated against polio is a
candidate for polio immunization. Poliomyelitis,
also known as polio, is an infection of the nervous system that may cause severe muscle
weakness, paralysis, and even death.
How is the procedure performed?
Most children should receive four doses of the polio vaccine.
It is recommended that children receive IPV at the following times:
age 2 months
age 4 months
between the ages of 6 to 18 months
age 4 to 6 years
This series of vaccines gives the strongest protection
against the poliovirus. The protection is life-long
and the person cannot become a carrier of the virus.
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