Polio

What is it?

Polio is a viral disease of the nervous system that can cause permanent paralysis and even death. There is no treatment for polio. It spreads when a person puts something (food, water, hands, or an object) into his or her mouth that has infected stool (feces) on or in it. Polio still happens in other countries and is only a plane ride away.

What can I do?

All children should get four doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine usually given at 2 and 4 months of age, with a third does given between 6 and 18 months of age. The fourth dose should be given at age four or older.

Is it safe?

Yes, the polio vaccine is safe. There is no known association between the inactivated polio vaccine and serious adverse events.