8/8/2019 Oral Polio Vaccine

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Oral Polio Vaccine 

GENERAL INFORMATION: 

What is polio? 

• Polio, also called poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease that mainly affectsthe central nervous system (CNS). The central nervous system is madeup of the brain and spinal cord. Nerves from the brain and spinal cord helpyour body move and feel. In polio, part of the CNS gets damaged whichmay lead to paralysis (inability to move) or even death.

• Polio is caused by different kinds of poliovirus (germ). The virus usuallyenters the body through the mouth and exits with bowel movements. Poliois spread from person to person by eating or drinking contaminated (dirty)food. Contaminated things, including hands, may also pass the virus whenthese are put into the mouth. Sometimes, the poliovirus may enter thebody through the respiratory (airway) tract. A person may also get infectedby breathing in the virus. Poliovirus may either grow in the intestine(bowel) or the pharynx (throat). Polio may be prevented by vaccinatingchildren with the polio vaccine.

What is the polio vaccine? The polio vaccine helps decrease your risk of becoming infected with polio. Vaccines work by causing your body to makeantibodies against certain germs. Antibodies are special cells in your blood thatprotect the body and fight infection. After you receive the polio vaccine, theseantibodies remember the polio germs. Once you are exposed to these types of germs, your body quickly recognizes them. The antibodies become active andyour body is better able to fight the germs. There are two types of polio vaccines,the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).

• Oral polio vaccine: This vaccine is made from live polio germs that areweakened. It is given as drops in the mouth that are swallowed. OPV goesthrough the digestive tract and out of the anus (rear end). This keeps thedisease from being spread to other people. In very few cases, OPV cancause actual infection to the patient. OPV is no longer recommended inthe United States but may be used in certain conditions. This type of vaccine is especially used in cases where a large number of people areinfected.

• Inactivated polio vaccine: This vaccine is made from killed (dead) poliogerms. It is injected under the skin or into the muscle. Depending on theage, the shot may be given into the leg or arm. IPV is the polio vaccinerecommended in the United States today. It may be given at the sametime as other vaccines. Ask your caregiver for more information on IPV.

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Who should get the oral polio vaccine and when? OPV is no longer used inthe United States except for it's use in special cases. The oral polio vaccine mayonly be given to any of the following:

• Children who have not received any polio vaccine and are going to travel

to areas that have a high-risk of polio.

• Children whose parents do not accept the recommended number of IPVshots. These children should still get IPV for the first two doses. They mayget OPV for the third or fourth dose, or both.

• Large group vaccination programs to control current polio sickness or outbreak in an area.

• People with a life-threatening allergy to a dose of IPV.

OPV doses should be given eight weeks apart. In cases where catching up of the

vaccine is needed, OPV doses may be given every four weeks. If this vaccine isto be used, make sure you discuss it fully with your caregiver. Make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

Who should not get the oral polio vaccine? OPV should not be given whenthere is a higher risk of bad effects caused by the vaccine, including thefollowing:

• Being moderately or severely (badly) ill with or without fever.

• Having someone in the house with a weak immune system.

• History of a severe allergic reaction to a dose of OPV.

• Long-term treatment with steroid medicine.

• Weak immune system. The immune system is the part of the body thatnormally fights off sickness and disease. A weak immune system may becaused by cancer, HIV or AIDS, inborn immune deficiency, or takingmedicines, such as chemotherapy.

What are the risks of getting the oral polio vaccine? As with any medicine,

this vaccine has some risks. There is a very small chance that OPV can actuallycause polio. This is why OPV is not commonly used in the United States wherethe risk of getting polio is very low. The person who received the OPV or thosewho are in close contact with him may get infected. The vaccine may also causeallergy. As with any vaccine, there is a very small chance that it could causeserious harm or death.

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What are the signs and symptoms of a serious reaction to the oral poliovaccine? 

• Serious allergic reaction: This would happen within minutes after receiving the vaccine.

o Hives (red, itchy bumps with burning feeling on the skin) that have

spread all over the body.

o Redness or swelling of the face.

o Swelling of the mouth and throat.

o Weakness, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat.

o Wheezing or trouble breathing.

• Paralysis: Paralysis caused by OPV may occur from about a week to amonth after receiving the vaccine.

o Muscle weakness.

o Severe muscle aches and spasms.

o Unable to move an arm or leg.

• Others: 

o High fever or shaking chills.

o Trouble thinking clearly or changes in behavior