What should you know about different polio vaccines?

The inactivated polio vaccine is given by injection and uses virus that cannot reproduce. The oral polio vaccine is given as drops and uses a weakened form designed to stimulate protection in the gut. The choice depends on the national programme, age, travel plans, previous doses, and individual health circumstances.

Polio can affect the nervous system and may cause weakness or paralysis. Vaccination protects the individual and helps reduce spread in communities. A person who has missed doses may still be able to catch up, so an incomplete record is a reason to check, not a reason to abandon vaccination.

Take the child or adult vaccination record to a clinic and ask which doses are documented. Tell the clinician about immune problems, medicines that suppress immunity, pregnancy, or a previous vaccine reaction. Follow the schedule offered and keep the updated record for school, work, and travel planning.

Seek urgent help for sudden weakness, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, or rapidly worsening muscle function. After vaccination, get urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, widespread hives, or fainting. For less severe symptoms that persist or concern you, contact the vaccination clinic or a clinician.

Which polio vaccine is used in my programme? How many documented doses do I have, and what is still needed? Does travel or an immune condition change the plan?