What should you know about oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine?

Both vaccines prepare the immune system to recognise poliovirus, but they are made and delivered differently. The oral vaccine is swallowed and can help reduce virus spread through the intestine. The inactivated vaccine is injected and cannot cause polio because it contains virus that has been rendered unable to reproduce.

A person may be offered one vaccine or a schedule involving more than one type. The decision depends on age, prior doses, health history, local programme guidance, and travel or outbreak considerations.

Bring the immunisation record to the appointment. Tell the clinician about immune-system conditions, medicines that suppress immunity, pregnancy, allergies, and any serious reaction to a previous dose. Do not substitute one vaccine for another without advice, because the timing and route are part of the planned schedule.

After an injection, soreness at the site can occur. After oral drops, mild symptoms may occur. Follow the provider’s aftercare instructions and ask how a delayed or missed dose should be documented.

Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, collapse, facial or throat swelling, or widespread hives after either vaccine. Seek urgent assessment for new muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems; these symptoms need medical attention regardless of vaccination history. Contact the vaccination service about symptoms that are severe, persistent, or worrying.

Ask which vaccine is planned and why, how it fits previous doses, whether a health condition affects the choice, and what to do if an appointment is missed. Ask when protection is expected to build and which symptoms require urgent help.