
The polio vaccine is known as the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) on records. The CDC recommends that children in the United States receive the IPV vaccine as part of their routine immunizations to protect against polio or poliomyelitis. IPV is given by injection and can be administered at the same time as other vaccines. Children typically receive four doses of IPV, with the option of a fifth dose for added protection. The specific vaccine schedule may vary depending on a child's age and travel plans to areas with a higher risk of polio. Verbal reports of polio vaccination outside the U.S. may be accepted for individuals aged 18 and older, unless there are specific concerns about the validity of the vaccination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of vaccine | Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) |
| Who should get it | Children in the United States as part of their routine immunizations |
| How it is given | By injection in the leg or arm, depending on the person's age |
| Number of doses | Four doses, with one dose at each of the following ages: when the child is 2 months old, 4 months old, between 6 and 18 months old, and 4-6 years old |
| Single-antigen version | IPOL, licensed for active immunization of infants (as young as 6 weeks old), children, and adults |
| Combination vaccines | Pentacel (DTaP-IPV/Hib), Pediarix (DTaP-IPV-HepB), Kinrix (DTaP-IPV), VAXELIS (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB), Quadracel (DTaP-IPV) |
| Fifth dose | It is safe for children to get a fifth dose of IPV |
| Outside the US | Verbal reports of previous polio vaccination can be accepted for people 18 years and older, unless there are specific reasons to doubt their vaccination status |
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What You'll Learn
- The CDC recommends inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) for US children
- IPOL is a single-antigen polio vaccine for infants, children and adults
- Pentacel, Pediarix, Kinrix, VAXELIS and Quadracel are polio combination vaccines
- bOPV does not vaccinate against type 2 poliovirus
- Polio vaccination is recommended for travel to high-risk countries

The CDC recommends inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) for US children
The CDC recommends that all children in the United States receive the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) as part of their routine immunization schedule. This recommendation includes children who have not yet started their polio vaccine series and those who are delayed in receiving their doses. The goal is to ensure that all children are protected from polio before they enter childcare or school.
IPV is an essential vaccine that has been a standard part of childhood immunizations in the US for decades. It is recommended that children receive a total of four doses of IPV before starting school. This vaccine is typically given as a series of shots, with the specific number of shots and timing varying depending on the child's age. In some cases, IPV can be administered in combination with other vaccines, but parents should consult their child's doctor about this option.
The inactivated poliovirus vaccine contains a killed or inactivated poliovirus. This means that it cannot cause polio, and instead, it triggers the body's immune system to produce antibodies that can fight the virus. These antibodies provide long-lasting immunity, protecting children from severe polio disease, including potential paralysis.
It is important to note that oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), which is given by mouth as a liquid, is no longer used in the United States. OPV contains a weakened live vaccine, which differs from the inactivated virus in IPV. While IPV is the standard polio vaccine in the US, OPV is still used in other countries where the risk of poliovirus infection is higher.
The CDC also provides recommendations for adults who may be at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus. Fully vaccinated adults who fall into certain categories, such as international travellers, laboratory workers, or healthcare workers, may receive a single lifetime booster dose of IPV for added protection.
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IPOL is a single-antigen polio vaccine for infants, children and adults
The polio vaccine is known as IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine) and is administered to protect against poliomyelitis, or polio, caused by poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3. IPOL is a single-antigen polio vaccine that is licensed in the US for the active immunization of infants (from six weeks old), children, and adults. It is given by injection in the leg or arm, depending on the recipient's age.
IPOL is a critical tool in the fight against polio, a highly contagious disease that can cause severe and permanent paralysis, particularly in young children. The vaccine is safe and effective, offering protection against all three types of poliovirus. Polio can lead to irreversible paralysis within hours of infection, and primarily affects children under the age of five.
The CDC recommends that children in the United States receive the IPV vaccine as part of their routine immunizations. Children typically receive four doses of IPV, with the first dose given as early as six weeks of age. The subsequent doses are administered at specific intervals to ensure maximum protection. In certain cases, it is safe for children to receive a fifth dose of IPV.
For adults aged 18 and over, verbal reports of previous polio vaccination administered outside the US may be accepted, unless there are specific concerns about the individual's vaccination status. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if additional doses of the polio vaccine are necessary.
It is worth noting that individuals who have only received bOPV (oral polio vaccine) are not vaccinated against type 2 poliovirus. To be fully protected, they need to complete an IPV 3- or 4-dose series, depending on their age. OPV doses administered after April 1, 2016, are not considered tOPV doses unless specified in written documentation.
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Pentacel, Pediarix, Kinrix, VAXELIS and Quadracel are polio combination vaccines
Polio is a highly infectious disease that can lead to permanent paralysis or even death. Fortunately, there are several vaccines available to prevent it. Pentacel, Pediarix, Kinrix, VAXELIS, and Quadracel are all polio-containing combination vaccines. These vaccines protect against multiple diseases and offer comprehensive coverage against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, in addition to polio.
Pentacel (DTaP-IPV/Hib) is a combination vaccine that includes protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b). It is typically given as a series of four doses to children who have previously received the DTaP vaccine. However, it should not be administered to children under four years of age, as per FDA guidelines.
Pediarix, also known as DTaP-HepB-IPV, is another combination vaccine that includes protection against hepatitis B in addition to the diseases covered by Pentacel. This vaccine is designed for infants and is approved for use as the first three doses of the DTaP and IPV vaccines.
Kinrix is a combination of DTaP and IPV vaccines. Licensed by the FDA in 2008, it is approved for use as the fifth dose of DTaP and the fourth dose of IPV in children aged four to six years. Kinrix should not be administered to children under four years old.
VAXELIS, licensed by the FDA in 2018, is a relatively new combination vaccine that offers protection against DTaP, IPV, Hib, and HepB. It is indicated as a three-dose series for infants at two, four, and six months of age.
Quadracel, also known as DTaP-IPV, is a combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio. It can be given as the fifth dose of DTaP and the fourth dose of IPV for children aged four to six years when the previous brand of vaccine is unknown or unavailable. Like Kinrix, Quadracel should not be given to children under four years old.
These combination vaccines offer the advantage of reducing the number of shots required, making it more convenient for children to receive their recommended vaccinations on time and reducing delays in disease protection. All vaccines, including combination vaccines, undergo careful testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness before being approved for use.
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bOPV does not vaccinate against type 2 poliovirus
The polio vaccine is called the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in the United States. It is given as a shot in the arm or leg, depending on the person's age. The CDC recommends that children in the US receive the IPV vaccine as part of their routine immunizations.
In the past, there was a trivalent oral polio vaccine (tOPV) that protected against all three types of poliovirus. However, in April 2016, all countries that were still using tOPV switched to using a bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) in routine immunization. This switch was made because the wild poliovirus type 2 had already been successfully interrupted since 1999. The removal of the type 2 virus from OPV reduced the risk of cVDPV2.
BOPV only protects against poliovirus types 1 and 3. If a person has only received bOPV, they are not vaccinated against type 2 poliovirus and need to complete an IPV 3- or 4-dose series depending on their age to be fully protected. This is because the IPV vaccine includes protection against all three types of poliovirus.
It is important to note that OPV doses administered after April 1, 2016, should not be counted as tOPV doses unless there is written documentation specifying that the dose was tOPV. Additionally, children with no or questionable documentation of poliovirus vaccination should be revaccinated according to the US schedule with the age-appropriate IPV.
In summary, while bOPV is a valuable tool in the fight against poliovirus, it does not provide protection against type 2 poliovirus. Individuals who have only received bOPV should ensure they complete the recommended IPV doses to be fully protected against all three types of poliovirus.
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Polio vaccination is recommended for travel to high-risk countries
Polio vaccination is highly recommended for individuals planning to travel to high-risk countries. Polio was once one of the most feared diseases in the United States, and while it has been eliminated in many parts of the world due to successful vaccination programs, it still poses a risk in certain regions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued temporary polio vaccine recommendations for travellers visiting countries with active poliovirus transmission or those designated as "polio-infected." These recommendations aim to reduce the risk of exporting the wild poliovirus (WPV) from affected areas. Countries that are currently endemic for polio include Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Additionally, several other countries, including Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Syria, have reported polio outbreaks or environmental evidence of WPV circulation.
Before embarking on international travel, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the specific vaccination requirements for your destination. The CDC recommends that adults who are fully vaccinated and travelling to high-risk areas may receive a one-time booster dose of IPV. For unvaccinated adults, a primary vaccination series of three doses is advised, with the second dose administered 1 to 2 months after the first, and the third dose given 6 to 12 months after the second. If time constraints exist, an accelerated schedule of three doses administered at least four weeks apart can be followed.
For infants and children, the CDC advises completing the routine polio vaccination series before departure. In the United States, this typically involves four doses of IPV given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years. If the routine series cannot be finished before travel, an accelerated schedule can be considered, with the first dose administered at 6 weeks or older, followed by three additional doses at intervals of four or more weeks.
It is important to note that some countries may require proof of polio vaccination upon departure. This documentation is typically provided on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the "yellow card." Long-term travellers, especially those staying longer than four weeks, should pay close attention to the specific requirements of their destination country. By adhering to vaccination recommendations and staying up to date with booster doses, travellers can play a crucial role in preventing the spread of polio and protecting their health during their journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The polio vaccine protects against poliomyelitis, also known as polio, a serious disease that can cause paralysis.
The inactivated poliovirus vaccine is known as IPV. A single-antigen vaccine called IPOL is also licensed for infants, children, and adults.
There are two main types of polio vaccines: inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).
IPV is given by injection and protects against all three types of poliovirus. OPV is given orally and there are two types: bOPV and tOPV. bOPV only protects against types 1 and 3 polioviruses, while tOPV protects against all three types.
Several combination vaccines that include IPV are available in the US, including Pentacel (DTaP-IPV/Hib), Pediarix (DTaP-IPV-HepB), Kinrix (DTaP-IPV), VAXELIS (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB), and Quadracel (DTaP-IPV).











































