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Poliomyelitis (Polio)
KEY POINTS
- Poliomyelitis is a viral infection of the central nervous system that can result in permanent neurological damage, such as paralysis. It may be fatal.
- Polio-Endemic: Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
- Vaccine targets,
Anyone > 10yrs since last vaccine dose and traveling to areas where polio virus is endemic (naturally present) - Saudi Arabia has strict requirements on updated polio vaccination of travelers coming from polio endemic countries (check with their embassy, as these change).
Disease: Poliomyelitis is a viral infection of the central nervous system that can result in permanent neurological damage, such as paralysis. It may be fatal.
Prevalence:
- Polio-Free: Western Hemisphere, Western Pacific Region, European Region (except for outbreaks in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Russia)
- Polio-Endemic: Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
Transmission: Fecal-oral or oral-oral (respiratory) contact
Treatment: NONE
Prevention: Vaccine (IPOL/eIPV)
- An enhanced, killed vaccine
- Primary vaccine series: 3 doses, starting at age 2 months, 4 months, and 6 – 18 months
- This vaccine is sometimes given in combination vaccine products in childhood.
- Dose: subcutaneously (can be intramuscular), 0.5cc
- Booster: at 4-6 yrs-old
- Travel Booster: If > 10yrs since last dose
- There are no data for more than one booster, beyond that at 4-6yrs-old, in a lifetime.
- Side-effects: Minor pain, redness, swelling at injection site within 6-12hrs
- Precautions/Contraindications
- Avoid vaccination if moderately ill.
- Do not take if history of serious allergy to neomycin, polymyxin B, or streptomycin.
- Avoid vaccination with pregnancy unless immediate protection is needed (disease exposure).
- Can take vaccine with breastfeeding.
- Targets
- All U.S. children at 2 mo’s-old
- Travelers to areas where polio virus is endemic (naturally present),
- Anyone > 10yrs since last vaccine dose
- Under 6 mo’s-old, (and ≥ 6wks-old) to start accelerated vaccine series.
- Special Considerations
- IPV is the only polio vaccine to be used in immune compromised persons.
- Saudi Arabia has strict requirements on updated polio vaccination of travelers coming from polio endemic countries (check with their embassy, as these change).
- Adults never vaccinated should receive a 3-dose series: day “O”, 1 – 2 mo’s, and 6 – 12 mo’s after #2.
Access the Injectable VIS Sheet here
Access the Oral VIS Sheet here
How do I schedule an appointment?
Online: Schedule an Appointment.
Call Us: (713) 550-2000 A customer service representative will help you choose an appointment time, and can forward any documents you will need to complete.