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Immunization protects you from disease.
Get protected, get immunized. - Vaccines make your immune system stronger by building antibodies, which help prevent diseases.
- Immunization is safe. It is much safer to get immunized than to get this disease.
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Who should have IPV vaccine?
This vaccine is given to children, up to the end of grade 12, who need polio vaccine but do not need the other parts of a combined vaccine.
This vaccine is also given to adults who are at risk for polio (e.g. travelling to a polio risk area, type of work).
How many doses of IPV vaccine are needed?
The first time people get immunized for polio, at least 3 doses are given over a period of time. This is called the primary series. People usually get this series as babies.
Children who were immunized as babies need a booster dose after 4 years of age to keep them protected. Adults who are at risk for polio may need a polio booster at least 10 years after their primary series.
Are there other types of vaccines that protect against polio?
Yes. Babies are usually immunized for polio with a vaccine called DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB. This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B.
There are other vaccines that include polio. The choice of vaccine depends on age and other factors.
How well does the vaccine work?
After the primary series of polio vaccine, protection is over 95%. After a booster dose, it is almost 100%.
Where can I get the vaccine?
If you need the vaccine due to work (e.g., some healthcare workers), talk to your Workplace Health and Safety Department.
If you are travelling to a polio risk country, it is important to call a travel health clinic (e.g.,
AHS Travel Health Services ) or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. All others should contact the public health office in their area.
Are there side effects from IPV vaccine?
Reactions to the vaccine are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:
- redness and discomfort where the needle was given
- fever
It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after immunization because people can have a rare but serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If anaphylaxis happens, you will be given medicine to treat the symptoms.
Unusual reactions can happen. Call Health Link at 811 to report any unusual reactions.
How can I manage side effects?
- To help with discomfort and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area.
- If you need fever or pain medicine, check with your pharmacist or doctor. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 19 years old because it can cause serious health problems.
- Some people with health problems (e.g., weak immune system) must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you have been told to do this, call your doctor—even if you think the fever was due to immunization.
Is there anyone who cannot have IPV vaccine?
You may not be able to get the vaccine if you:
- have an allergy to parts of the vaccine—always tell your healthcare provider about allergies.
- had a serious or unusual reaction after this vaccine (or a similar one)— always tell your healthcare provider if you have had reactions.
You can be immunized if you have a mild illness (e.g., cold), even if you have a fever.
For More Information
Disease Quick Facts
What it is
- nervous system infection caused by a virus
- most people do not have symptoms, but can spread the disease
- can lead to paralysis and death
- spread by infected stool getting onto hands or into food and water, and then into the mouth
Who is most at risk
- Unimmunized children
- Travelers to polio risk countries
- Adults exposed to polio virus through their work (some health care workers and laboratory workers)
How it spreads
- Spread by infected stool getting onto hands or into food and water, and then into the mouth
