Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.
The polio vaccine protects against infection from all 3 types of poliovirus. The vaccine, called inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), is approved by Health Canada.
The inactivated polio vaccine is mostly given as a booster dose to adults who had a series of polio vaccine in childhood and are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus. Examples of adults at increased risk include:
People who have not been immunized and may be exposed to poliovirus, for example through work or travel, should also get the vaccine. These people need 3 doses of the vaccine. The first 2 doses are given 4 to 8 weeks apart. The third dose is given 6 to 12 months after the second dose.
In young children, immunization against polio is combined with other vaccines, such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
For more information on the combined vaccines, visit:
A series of inactivated polio vaccine can also be given to infants and children who only need protection against polio.
The polio vaccine is the best way to protect against polio, a serious and sometimes fatal disease. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get polio.
Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may also occur.
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen* (e.g. Advil®) can be given for fever or soreness. ASA (e.g. Aspirin®) should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.
*Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age without first speaking to your health care provider.
For more information on Reye Syndrome, see HealthLinkBC File #84 Reye Syndrome.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine. There is an extremely rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This happens in less than one in a million people who get the vaccine. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. If this reaction occurs, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
Always report serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider.
Speak with a health care provider if you or your child has had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of any polio vaccine or any part of the vaccine, including neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B.
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns speak with your health care provider.
Polio is a disease caused by infection with poliovirus. While most poliovirus infections show no symptoms, others can result in paralysis of arms or legs and even death. Paralysis occurs in about 1 in 200 people who get infected.
Polio can be spread by contact with the stool of an infected person. This can happen by eating food or drinking water contaminated with stool.
Due to immunization, polio has been eliminated in most parts of the world. However, until polio is eliminated globally, immunization is the best protection.
It is recommended that parents or guardians and their children discuss consent for immunization. Children under the age of 19, who are able to understand the benefits and possible reactions for each vaccine and the risk of not getting immunized, can legally consent to or refuse immunizations. For more information on mature minor consent visit HealthLinkBC File #119 The Infants Act, mature minor consent and immunization.
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