Side effects of the oral polio vaccine

Oral polio vaccine is swallowed rather than injected, so there is no injection-site soreness. A child may briefly have mild digestive symptoms or feel unsettled. Fever can happen, although fever after vaccination may also be caused by an unrelated infection. The vaccine is designed to build protection against poliomyelitis and does not cause the usual paralytic illness. A child who becomes progressively unwell, unusually weak or difficult to wake needs medical assessment rather than assumption that the vaccine is responsible.

Offer frequent fluids and continue normal feeding if tolerated. Watch for wet nappies or normal urination, alertness and the ability to drink. Do not repeat a dose because of spit-up or vomiting without asking the vaccination team; they can advise whether another dose is needed. Keep the immunisation record and tell the clinician about immune disorders, medicines or a previous serious reaction before future doses.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse, a seizure, severe dehydration, repeated vomiting, or a child who is difficult to wake. Arrange prompt assessment for marked weakness, loss of movement, persistent fever, blood in the stool or symptoms that are worsening. These signs may indicate another illness or a rare serious reaction and should not be watched at home without advice.

Ask what to do if the child vomits after the drops, how to monitor hydration, when the next dose is due, and whether a medical condition or medicine changes the immunisation schedule. Confirm whom to call if symptoms appear.