Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.
The inactivated polio vaccine protects against polio.
What is Polio?
Polio is a serious disease caused by the poliovirus. It can be spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The virus can also spread indirectly through feces. An infected person who does not properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom can spread the virus by touching another person, food, water, and objects. The virus first causes infection in the throat and the intestinal tract. In some cases, the virus multiplies and spreads through the blood infecting nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. If the nerve cell damage is severe, the muscles cannot move and permanent damage occurs. Muscles become weak or completely paralyzed. Some people die of polio, but it has become a rare disease because of routine immunizations.
Who should get the vaccine?
Infants and children are routinely given combination vaccines that contain polio vaccine in them as a series. IPV vaccine may be used for children after their 7th birthday to complete an incomplete series. Proof of vaccination against polio, or a valid exemption, is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario.
Polio vaccine may also be given to adults who were not immunized in childhood, anyone who travels to countries where polio is common, or who may be at risk for polio due to their occupation. Consult your health care provider.
How well does the vaccine work?
The vaccine protects over 99% of people who follow the recommended schedule.
No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop polio after receiving polio vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.
Who should not get this vaccine?
A healthcare provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:
Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:
Imovax® Polio contains: poliovirus Type 1, 2, 3, formaldehyde, 2-phenoxyethanol, residual calf serum protein, neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B, medium 199 Hanks (without phenol red).
What are the side effects of this vaccine?
Polio vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given. Fever may also occur in some people. Serious side effects are rare. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.
Is there an alternative to the vaccine?
There are no other treatments to prevent this disease. If you become ill with this disease you may develop immunity. Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease. Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.
When should I seek medical attention?
Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of the vaccine:
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High fever (over 40C or 104F)
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Hives
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Swelling of the face or mouth
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Trouble breathing
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Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
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Convulsions or seizures
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Any other unexpected effects
If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.
What else do I need to know?
After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.
The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:
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Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
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Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
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Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
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Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)
A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.
