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Polio Vaccine
Vaccine schedule
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2 months
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4 months
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6 months
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1 year
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2nd grade
The Disease
Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which belongs to the group of enteroviruses. The virus spreads from person to person through contact with secretions (usually feces, but also respiratory secretions), enters the digestive tract, multiplies there, and is excreted in the stool. In most cases of infection (80%–90%), there are no symptoms. In 10%–20% of cases, the disease causes general symptoms such as fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or sore throat. In rare cases, the disease causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
The most concerning complication, which occurs in less than 1% of cases, is paralysis caused when the virus spreads from the digestive tract through the bloodstream and damages the nervous system. Paralysis occurs more frequently in the lower limbs and may be accompanied by severe muscle pain. Paralysis of the respiratory muscles may also occur, requiring mechanical ventilation. The severity of the paralysis depends on the number of nerve cells affected.
There is no treatment for polio, and paralysis cannot be cured once it occurs. It can only be prevented in advance through vaccination against the disease. In addition, it is important to follow good hygiene practices, especially washing hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before handling food, and after changing a baby's diaper.
The Vaccine
The polio vaccine (IPV) is an inactivated vaccine that helps the body produce antibodies in the blood against the virus, so that in the event of infection, they will prevent severe illness and paralysis. The vaccine is given as part of the pentavalent vaccine (DTaP-Hib-IPV), which also includes vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae B, as part of the routine immunization schedule for infants and children. Currently, due to outbreaks of polio and pertussis, the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine is given earlier, at 6 weeks of age.
In second grade, an additional dose of the polio vaccine is given as part of the vaccinations given at school.
Separate vaccines are also available for use in cases of sensitivity to one of the components of the combination vaccine. You can consult a Family Care Center nurse about the option or need to administer vaccines separately for any reason.
| Vaccine composition | How the vaccine is given |
| Inactivated polioviruses from 3 strains | Up to age 3, by injection into the thigh; from age 3, by injection into the arm |
The Vaccine
The polio vaccine (IPV) is an inactivated vaccine that helps the body produce antibodies in the blood against the virus, so that in the event of infection, they will prevent severe illness and paralysis. The vaccine is given as part of the pentavalent vaccine (DTaP-Hib-IPV), which also includes vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae B, as part of the routine immunization schedule for infants and children. Currently, due to outbreaks of polio and pertussis, the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine is given earlier, at 6 weeks of age.
In second grade, an additional dose of the polio vaccine is given as part of the vaccinations given at school.
Separate vaccines are also available for use in cases of sensitivity to one of the components of the combination vaccine. You can consult a Family Care Center nurse about the option or need to administer vaccines separately for any reason.
Routine immunization schedule for infants and children
| Vaccine composition | How the vaccine is given |
| Inactivated polioviruses from 3 strains | Up to age 3, by injection into the thigh; from age 3, by injection into the arm |
After receiving the five-component vaccine, which includes the polio vaccine, some side effects may occur. Most are mild and resolve on their own within a day or two:
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area, and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- General discomfort: Changes in appetite, prolonged crying, restlessness, and drowsiness. If there is vomiting or diarrhea – it is recommended to continue breastfeeding and give water slowly, a teaspoon at a time.
- Seizures within 3 days of receiving the vaccine: Seizures are usually associated with fever and are not considered dangerous, but it is important to seek medical evaluation.
When to Contact Your HMO or a Medical Center After Vaccination
- If your child seems apathetic.
- If a fever does not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If changes in appetite and eating patterns do not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If seizures occur. They are usually related to a rise in body temperature, but it is important to seek medical attention.
- If you notice anything that causes you concern or worry.
If your child experienced any reactions after receiving the vaccine at school - please report them to the school nurse or the school health provider.