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Polio Vaccine Facts

The polio vaccine is also known by its brand name of Ipol. The vaccine is used in children as a way of protecting them against the disease. While many people assume polio no longer exists, it can still strike children who aren't vaccinated.

  1. Polio

    • Polio is a disease the strikes the central nervous system, in particular the spinal cord. The disease causes weakness and numbness in the muscles of the body and can even lead to paralysis.

    Process

    • The polio vaccine works by putting a small amount of polio bacteria into the body, but not enough to cause the disease. The vaccine forces the blood cells to develop and immunity against the disease by fighting it.

    Age

    • Polio vaccines are meant for adults and children of a certain age. It's not approved for the use of children under the age of 2 months.

    Warning

    • Those who have had the polio virus or were infected by the virus should not receive the polio vaccine. The vaccine is also not recommended for those who had an allergic reaction to a polio vaccine in the past.

    Administration

    • To administer the polio vaccine, the doctor must clean the skin on top of the muscle carefully. The polio vaccine is then injected directly into the muscle. It usually takes a total of four shots for the vaccine to work properly.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of the polio vaccine include hives, fainting, drowsiness, seizures, fever, swelling of the face and throat, muscle pain and redness at the injection site.

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