Poliovirus Vaccine Inactivated (By injection)
POE-lee-oh VYE-rus VAX-een, in-AK-ti-vated
Prevents infections caused by polio virus.
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Poliovirus vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent poliomyelitis (polio). It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus that causes polio.
There are two types of polio vaccine that are given by injection, poliovirus vaccine inactivated (IPV) and poliovirus vaccine inactivated enhanced potency (eIPV). In the U.S. and Canada, the type of vaccine that is given by injection is eIPV. The type of vaccine that is given by mouth is called poliovirus vaccine live oral (OPV).
Polio is a very serious infection that causes paralysis of the muscles, including the muscles that enable you to walk and breathe. A polio infection may leave a person unable to breathe without the help of an iron lung, unable to walk without leg braces, or confined to a wheelchair. There is no cure for polio.
Immunization against polio is recommended for all infants from 6 to 12 weeks of age, all children, all adolescents up to 18 years of age, and certain adults who are at greater risk for exposure to polioviruses than the general population, including:
Persons traveling to areas or countries where polio is uncontrolled, whether or not they have been vaccinated against polio in the past.
Persons who live in areas where polio infection still occurs.
Adults who have not been vaccinated or who have not had the complete series of vaccinations against polio and who live in households with children who are to be given the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
Employees in day-care centers and group homes for children, such as orphanages.
Employees in medical facilities, such as hospitals and doctors‘ offices.
Laboratory workers handling samples that may contain polio viruses.
Immunization against polio is not recommended for infants younger than 6 weeks of age, because antibodies they received from their mothers before birth may interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine. Infants who were immunized against polio before 6 weeks of age should receive the complete polio immunization series.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into one of your muscles. In infants and small children, the shot is usually given in the thigh. In adults, the shot is usually given in the upper arm.
Children should receive a total of 4 doses of polio vaccine, usually at 6 weeks to 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age.
Missed dose: This vaccine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If a dose is missed, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how polio vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are also receiving any treatment that affects your immune system, such as cancer medicine, steroid medicine, or radiation therapy.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this vaccine if you had an allergic reaction to polio vaccine, neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have a fever, infection, or any condition that affects the immune system.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
High fever (over 102 degrees F)
Unusual weakness or numbness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, redness, swelling, or a lump where the shot was given
Sleepiness or irritability
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ipol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.