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Written by Adrian Wozniak
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Sunday, 08 November 2009 |
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A vaccine is a shot or oral solution given to protect a person against a life-threatening disease. There are two types of polio vaccines. Inactivated Polio Vaccine, called IPV, is delivered in a shot form. Oral Polio Vaccine, called OPV, is delivered through drops that are swallowed. The OPV is a live vaccine. According to the latest guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, an all IPV vaccine schedule is the schedule of choice for routine immunizations these days. OPV is no longer being used routinely.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
Any child who has not been vaccinated against polio is a candidate for polio immunization. Poliomyelitis, also known as polio, is an infection of the nervous system that may cause severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death.
How is the procedure performed?
Most children should receive four doses of the polio vaccine. It is recommended that children receive IPV at the following times:
- age 2 months
- age 4 months
- between the ages of 6 to 18 months
- age 4 to 6 years
This series of vaccines gives the strongest protection against the poliovirus. The protection is life-long and the person cannot become a carrier of the virus.
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