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Vaccine Information Sheets

Polio

Administered IM or SC

Indications:

Not routinely recommended for persons age 18yrs and older.
Adults living in the U.S. who never received or completed a primary series of polio vaccine need not be vaccinated unless they intend to travel to areas where exposure to wild-type virus is likely. Previously vaccinated adults can receive one booster dose if traveling to polio endemic areas.

When to give:

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Dose #1:  2 months old

Dose #2: 4 months old

Dose #3: 6-18 months old

Dose #4: 4-6 years old

If 3rd dose given after 4th birthday, then skip dose #4. 

Catch up vaccines recommended for children that have not received prior polio vaccinations. 

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) may be given on mass scale vaccination programs or when an unvaccinated child is traveling to an area, within 4 weeks,  where wild-type polio exist.  Parents should be advised of risks involved with contracting paralytic polio from vaccine. OPV may also be substituted when a child is allergic to IPV..

Recommended 8 weeks between dosing, but may provide in 4 weeks for accelerated schedule when necessary.  

Contraindications:

Allergy to previous vaccine

Allergy to neomycin, streptomycin, or Polymixin B.

Moderate to severe illness with or without fever

Pediatrix ™ 
(Combination vaccine) 
is not indicated for infants less than 6 weeks of age, or children older than 7 years of age. Should be avoided in any child with recent illness in the last 72 hours. 

Contraindicated in Pregnancy
except when protecting against recent polio exposure. 

OPV is contraindicated in those with comprimised immune function. 

(Information current of July 2006, check with your physician for any updates)

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