Polio vaccination - why to do it, how to prepare, possible complications

Polio vaccination - why to do it, how to prepare, possible complications

Polio vaccination - should it be given and at what age

Polio vaccination is the only way to protect a child from a viral disease, the consequences of which can lead to disability. The most severe manifestation of poliomyelitis is paralysis - in this case, the disease will begin immediately with a sharp increase in body temperature, the child develops a cough and a runny nose, problems in the work of the digestive system may appear. Literally three days after the onset of the disease, the patient will complain of pain in the limbs and back. Only the polio vaccine can prevent infection, thanks to it there are no epidemiological outbreaks.

Types of polio vaccines

Two types of vaccines against this disease are used in modern medicine. The main difference lies in the method by which the vaccine is administered to the child's body:

  • oral live vaccine, which contains weakened live viruses - is sprinkled into the mouth
  • inactivated vaccine, which contains killed viruses of the disease - is administered by injection.

There is an opinion that the oral vaccine is more effective, it is after it that a stronger immunity to the disease is produced. But some doctors refute this opinion - children often vomit after oral administration of the vaccine, which makes it impossible to correctly calculate the dosage, and the requirements for its storage are very high. There are known cases when complications arise after vaccination against poliomyelitis - for example, a child may develop poliomyelitis or arthritis. At best, these diseases are treatable, and at worst, the problem remains for life.

According to the conclusions of the research programs, it is believed that the first vaccination should be given by injection, and revaccination by oral method, because by this time the baby has already developed a strong immunity to the disease.

Preparation for vaccination

DTP and poliomyelitis vaccination is carried out comprehensively at the age of 3 months. The main requirement is that the child must be absolutely healthy! If the parents have any doubts about the child's health, it is better to postpone the day of vaccination to a later date. If the baby has an allergic reaction, it is necessary to notify the doctor and also postpone the vaccination date.

Before vaccination, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a doctor and obtain permission from a specialist.

Polio vaccination schedule

Parents should know at what age a child should be vaccinated. Polio vaccination schedule:

  • 1 vaccination – 3 months
  • 2nd vaccination – 4, 5 months
  • 3rd vaccination – 6 months
  • revaccination 1 - 18 months
  • revaccination 2 - 20 months
  • revaccination 3-14 years old.

Children are not vaccinated against poliomyelitis in a year, but if the child is vaccinated outside the schedule (for example, the child's illness may be the reason for the postponement of the vaccination deadline), then the doctor will draw up an individual vaccination schedule.

You can learn more about how many polio vaccinations should be given and what age range vaccination should fit on our website: https://dobrobut.com/.

Possible consequences of vaccination

Most often, the child does not have any reaction to poliomyelitis vaccination - he behaves as usual, he is not fussy. If the child is vaccinated by injection, swelling and redness may occur at the injection site, which will not exceed 8 cm in diameter.

The temperature from the polio vaccination may rise, but this does not happen immediately after the vaccine is administered, but in 5-14 days. Very rarely, parents can note the frequency of stool, which is not of an intense nature.

In order to avoid unpleasant consequences immediately after vaccination, it is necessary to follow some rules:

  • do not introduce a new product to the child's diet during the week
  • do not overheat or overcool the baby
  • make sure that the child avoids contact with sick people (even colds are dangerous during this period)

Polio is a dangerous infectious disease, there are no preventive measures against it, only timely vaccination will help. Should I be vaccinated against poliomyelitis? It is up to parents to decide - current legislation can only recommend some vaccinations to them. It is worth remembering that the vaccination does not pose any danger, and the polio virus can lead to many problems. Polio vaccination (vaccine) will be safer and more effective if a drug containing non-living viruses is used.

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Updated: 04.04.2025
12.1К views
Doctors who advise on this issue:
33experience (y.)
Bilga Svitlana Stepanivna
Bilga Svitlana Stepanivna
Pediatrician
29experience (y.)
Sokolova Iryna Tymofiivna
Sokolova Iryna Tymofiivna
Endocrinologist; A general practitioner is a family doctor; Pediatric endocrinologist; Physician; Ultrasound doctor

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