What is the polio vaccine?
The polio vaccine protects against the polio virus.
The polio vaccine you get by an injection (needle) is called IPV.
What is polio?
Polio is an infection of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) caused by a virus. Most people who get infected with polio don’t have symptoms but can still spread the disease. Some people have mild flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, polio can lead to
paralysis (not being able to move a part of your body) and death.
Who's most at risk?
Those most at risk of polio are:
- children who haven’t had a polio vaccine
- travellers going to areas that have a high risk of polio
- adults that have contact with the polio virus through their work (such as some healthcare workers and lab workers)
How does it spread?
Polio spreads through stool (poop) infected with the polio virus. The infected stool can get onto hands or into your food and water, and then into your mouth.
Who should get the polio vaccine?
Your child can get the polio vaccine in school, up to the end of Grade 12. They may get this vaccine if they've already been immunized for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and only need a polio vaccine.
You may also get the vaccine if you're at risk for polio because of:
- travel to an area that has a high risk of polio
- your work (like some healthcare or lab work)
How many doses do I need?
You get at least 3 doses of a polio vaccine the first time you are immunized for polio. This is called the primary series. You usually get this series as a baby in vaccines that protect against other diseases.
After the primary series, you need an extra (booster) dose at age 4 years to keep you protected.
Adults who are at high risk for polio may need a booster dose. You must wait at least 10 years after getting your childhood immunizations (primary series) for polio before getting this booster.
Are there other vaccines that protect against polio?
The vaccines dTap-IPV, DTaP-IPV-Hib, and DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB all protect against polio.
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dTap-IPV protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio. It’s most often used as a booster dose for children who are age 4 years.
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DTaP-IPV-Hib protects against all of the same diseases as dTap-IPV and includes
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Children born before March 1, 2018, who are under age 7 years can get this vaccine as part of their primary series. Children can also get this vaccine as a booster dose when they are 18 months old.
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DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB protects against all of the same diseases as DTaP-IPV-Hib and includes hepatitis B. Children born on or after March 1, 2018, who are under age 2 years can get this vaccine.
The type of polio vaccine you get depends on your age and if you need protection from other diseases.
How well does the vaccine work?
After the primary series, the protection for polio is over 95%. After a booster dose, the protection is almost 100%.
Where can I get the polio vaccine?
If you need the vaccine because of your work (such as some types of healthcare or lab work), talk to your workplace health and safety department.
If you’re travelling to an area that has a high risk of polio, contact a travel health clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You can also contact the public health office in your area to get the vaccine.
Are there side effects from the polio vaccine?
There can be side effects from the polio vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:
- redness or feeling sore where you had the needle
- a fever
It’s important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.
It’s rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.
How can I manage side effects?
- To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
- There is medicine to help with a fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
- Children under the age of 18 years should
not take Aspirin (unless your doctor tells you to take it) because it can cause serious health problems if taken within 6 weeks of a vaccine.
- Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.
Who should not get the polio vaccine?
You may not be able to get this vaccine if you:
- have an allergy to any part of the vaccine
- had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it
Check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.
You can still get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever.
I have a fear of needles. How can I prepare for my immunization?
Many adults and children are afraid of needles. You can do many things before, during, and after immunization to be more comfortable. Visit
Commitment to Comfort for tips to make immunization a better experience.
More information about immunization
