Your Child's Immunizations: Polio Vaccine (IPV)

Polio is a viral infection that can result in permanent paralysis.

Immunization Schedule

The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.

Though the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is still used in many parts of the world, it has not been used in the United States since 2000. Using IPV eliminates the small risk of developing polio after receiving the live oral polio vaccine.

Why the Vaccine Is Recommended

The vaccine offers protection against polio, which can cause paralysis and death.

Possible Risks

Side effects include fever and redness or soreness at the site of injection. There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine.

When to Delay or Avoid Immunization

The vaccine is not recommended if your child:

has a severe allergy to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B
had a severe allergic reaction to a previous IPV shot

Caring for Your Child After Immunization

IPV may cause mild fever, and soreness and redness at the site of the injection for several days. Depending on your child's age, pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose.

When to Call the Doctor

Call if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided.
Call if moderate or severe adverse reactions occur after the immunization.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: October 2012

Related Resources

National Immunization Program This website has information about immunizations. Call: (800) 232-2522

Immunization Action Coalition This organization is a source of childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization information as well as hepatitis B educational materials.

CDC Immunization: Pre-teens and Adolescents CDC site provides materials in English and Spanish for parents, teens, pre-teens, and health care providers about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

The History of Vaccines The History of Vaccines is an informational, educational website created by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the oldest professional society in the United States.

Your Child's Immunizations Immunizations protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.

Polio Polio is a contagious, historically devastating disease that was virtually eliminated from the Western hemisphere in the second half of the 20th century thanks to widespread vaccination.

How Do I Know Which Vaccines My Kids Need? Find out what the experts have to say.

What Can I Do to Ease My Child's Fear of Shots? Find out what the experts have to say.

Immunization Schedule Which vaccines does your child need to receive and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference.

How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots? Find out what the experts have to say.