POLIO OR POLIOMYELITIS is a serious infection caused by the polio virus which affects children the most. Almost 90-95% of the infections do not show symptoms. Such cases can be termed as sub clinical type of polio.The rest of the 5-10% infections show minor symptoms like fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stiff neck and painful limbs. the child recovers by 1-2 weeks without leaving any sequalae . It can be termed as non-paralytic type of polio.In about 0.5% instances, the symptom will be muscle weakness resulting in disabled movement. It can occur over a period of few hours up to few days. The rarest and severest form of polio, which results in full/partial paralysis and even mortality. 

How does polio spread ?

Polio virus spreads from individual to individual through infected feces. Additionally it may also spread through food and water infected by human feces.

How do I protect my baby from polio?

Polio can be prevented using polio vaccines ORAL and Injectable.

How is OPV given?

Oral polio vaccine is a live vaccine i.e. the virus is weakened enough to stimulate immunity but not cause the disease. It is administered as two drops orally.Routine vaccination schedule starts at birth followed by 3 doses along with the Dpt vaccine at 6/10/14 weeks or 2/4/6/ months and boosters at 16-18 months and 41/2 -5 years .

What are pulse polio doses?

Apart from the routine immunization the Government of India administers oral polio drops all over the country on specified days to all children upto 5 years of age. These are extra doses as a part of strategy to develop herd immunity i.e. community protection against the polio virus and curb its spread.

Does the Oral Polio Vaccine have any side effects?

Generally there are no serious side effects, However it being a live virus it can cause VACCINE ASSOCIATED PARALYTIC POLIO (VAPP) in certain susceptible/immuno-compromised children.

What is the difference between IPV and OPV?

OPV or Oral polio virus is a live and weak form of polio virus that will produce antibodies against it and not develop into disease in the body. When OPV is received, it works by spreading through sewage system, water supply, food and water and eventually spreads protection.Helps community protection too.IPV, Inactivated polio virus vaccine protects the vaccinated person against Polio. It contains dead form of virus that keeps the disease at bay. It does not act to spread protection through antibodies unlike OPV. This vaccine is highly effective and mandate too for its excellent protection for an individual.

Why does one need so many doses of OPV?

The vaccine is very heat sensitive and also prone to interference by other germs in the intestine hence this vaccine is given repeatedly to enhance the capacity to resist the disease.

I missed attending the polio pulse campaign for my baby. What to do now?

Chances are considerably low that one doesn’t get to know about a polio vaccine campaign. Although if you missed it, the volunteers drop by your place to administer the dose. If not, you may immediately rush to your vaccination center and communicate the same with the expert.

Can OPV be administered to new born children?

The vaccine has been used for years safely. It may be given to new borns. Even to the new born babies who were born just a few hours ago.

My child is down with fever/diarrhea/cold. Can OPV be given?

The OPV vaccine generally does not cause any reactions if given with other medicines. They can be safely administered even when a baby is ill.

Has the vaccine to be administered empty stomach? Can my child eat and drink after the dose?

There are no conditions like that associated with administration of Polio Vaccine.

Why should the polio immunization be given now that Polio is no more a case in India?

The disease can be transmitted when people from other countries where this disease is still not yet eradicated visit India. Polio is still a case in many countries, so the risk of the disease exists. It is always better to be safe and vaccinate children till the time the disease is eradicated across the globe.

Does polio vaccine cause impotency/infertility?

No, there is no such valid evidence of polio vaccine being a reason of impotency or infertility.

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