The only way to prevent poliomyelitis is through vaccination. The vaccination started in 1955 and since then in the US, poliomyelitis has been more or less eradicated. However, the virus causing the disease is still prevalent in many developing countries and until it is eradicated from all the countries, there is still the risk of the disease entering into the US. Hence, it is recommended that kids still be given poliomyelitis vaccination. In fact, in most of the US, it is mandatory to give polio vaccination to kids before they start school. (See Reference 1)

The poliomyelitis vaccine that was given before the year 2000 was in the form of oral polio vaccine made from live attenuated polio virus. While this vaccine is known to give protection against the disease, it was seen that some kids managed to get polio on receiving the vaccine. (See Reference 1) Hence, from the year 2000, the US government and health authorities decided to revert to the inactivated polio vaccine. In this vaccine, inactive virus is used and hence the person getting it does not get polio due to vaccination. The inactive vaccine is given through an injection either on the arm or leg. (See Reference 1)

The inactive polio vaccine can be given along with other childhood vaccinations. Usually, kids are given the vaccine in 4 doses. The first dose is given when the child is around 2 months old; the second when he or she is 4 months old; the third is given between the age of 6 months and 8 months; and the last dose, which is booster dose, is given between the ages of 4 years and 6 years. (See Reference 1)

As majority of the adult population received the vaccine while they were kids, the normal polio vaccine is not used for people who are 18 years and older and living in the US. However, there are some people who are more susceptible to contracting the virus and these people should be vaccinated against poliomyelitis as a prevention measure. People who travel to countries where polio is prevalent; people who work in labs and handle the polio causing virus, and healthcare professionals who have been in contact with patients infected with the polio causing virus should be vaccinated against the disease. (See Reference 1) These high risk people are generally given the polio vaccine in 3 doses. The first dose can be given at any time; the second dose is given 1 month to 2 months after the first dose; and the final dose is given 6 - 12 months after the second dose. (See Reference 1) At the same time, it is important to note that if a person has had 1 or 2 doses in the past, the remaining dose of the vaccine should be taken. The person can take the remaining doses no matter how time has lapsed after the initial doses of the vaccine. (See Reference 1)

However, there are some people who cannot receive the vaccine. In case a person has had an allergic reaction to the prior polio vaccine, he or she should not get the remaining dose. Also people who are allergic to polymyxin B, streptomycin and neomycin should not be given the polio vaccine. While there are no reports of side effects when pregnant women get the vaccine, it is often recommended that they do not take the vaccine as far as possible. In addition, if a person is ill, then he or she should receive the polio vaccine only after getting cured completely. (See Reference 1)

While majority of people do not experience major side effects, there is a chance of suffering from an allergic reaction to the vaccine. The normal side effect is having redness and soreness at the injection site. (See Reference 1)

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• Poliomyelitis Symptoms
• Post Polio Syndrome Treatment
• History Of Poliomyelitis
• Who Discovered The Cure For Polio ?
• How Do You Get Poliomyelitis ?