Polio vaccination: why get it, at what age? How to prepare and what are the possible reactions

Vaccination against polio is the only way to protect a child from this viral disease, the consequences of which can lead to disability. The most severe and, unfortunately, not rare manifestation of poliomyelitis is paralysis. In this case, the disease begins similarly to an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) — with a sudden rise in body temperature, followed by cough and runny nose, and possible digestive system disturbances. Within three days from the onset of the illness, pain in the limbs and back may appear. Instead of the expected recovery, symptoms worsen due to muscle involvement. This is because the virus can damage the spinal cord, which controls muscle movement. Muscles lose control from the brain and the ability to contract. In the most severe cases, respiratory arrest may occur. Later, the disease may result in paralysis (immobility) of the limbs. Limbs affected in childhood may not only lose function but also lag in growth. Modern medicine cannot restore their function, as the virus destroys spinal cord cells that are not capable of regeneration.

Vaccination is the primary and most effective method of preventing poliomyelitis. Epidemic outbreaks occur only where vaccination coverage is insufficient or where parents collectively refuse vaccination due to personal beliefs.

Types of polio vaccines

In modern medicine, two types of vaccines are used. The main difference lies in the method of administration:

• oral live vaccine containing attenuated live viruses — administered as drops into the mouth, available in 2 or 3 serotypes; in recent years, the trivalent version has been discontinued as one serotype is considered eradicated;
• inactivated vaccine containing killed viral particles — administered by injection into the thigh muscle in infants and into the deltoid muscle in older children.

There is an opinion that the oral vaccine is more effective and induces stronger immunity. However, some physicians dispute this: children often regurgitate after oral administration, making accurate dosing difficult, and storage requirements are strict. The oral vaccine also has a bitter taste, contains an antibiotic, and feeding is restricted for some time after administration.

It is known that the first dose should always be administered by injection, as in rare cases the immune system may not respond adequately to a live vaccine.

Since 2026, the oral polio vaccine (drops) has been discontinued in Ukraine.

All polio vaccine doses are now inactivated, i.e., injectable.

The inactivated polio vaccine is usually included in combination vaccines administered according to the national immunization schedule.

Adults, and since 2026 also high school students, are generally not routinely vaccinated against polio. However, if a combination vaccine containing the polio component is indicated for other reasons, it can be administered — there are no contraindications.

Vaccination preparation

The first polio vaccination is given at 2 months of age together with DTaP, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B vaccines as part of a combination immunization. This early age is chosen to provide protection as soon as possible, since the poliovirus is highly resistant and can survive even in tap water.

No special preparation is required. The main requirement is that the child must be healthy. If there are signs of acute illness (fever, runny nose, cough, pain, digestive disturbances), vaccination should be postponed until recovery. In chronic conditions, vaccination is possible outside of exacerbations, as determined by a physician.

If parents notice a deterioration in the child’s condition, it is better to postpone vaccination. However, this does not replace medical consultation, as the child may need examination or treatment. In some cases, a doctor may determine that mild conditions (such as uncomplicated viral infection or teething) do not affect vaccine safety or efficacy. Any allergic reactions must be reported to the doctor, and vaccination may also need to be postponed. Preventive use of antihistamines, probiotics, “immune boosters,” homeopathy, or herbal remedies does not affect vaccine effectiveness or tolerability.

A medical examination and authorization are required before vaccination. In case of chronic conditions, relevant specialists (e.g., neurologist, cardiologist) may also be involved.

Polio vaccination schedule

• 1st dose — at 2 months;
• 2nd dose — at 4 months;
• 3rd dose — at 6 months;
• booster (revaccination) — at 18 months;
• next booster — at 6 years.

If vaccination is given outside the schedule, an individual plan is created. Missed doses are administered as soon as possible when there are no contraindications. If several doses are missed, the following rules apply:

• the first three doses are given no less than 1 month apart;
• the fourth dose — no earlier than 6 months after the third;
• the fifth dose — no earlier than 3 years after the fourth.

When vaccination is provided free of charge, available public combination vaccines are used. If only polio vaccination is required, the vaccine “Imovax Polio” may be used.

For private vaccination, vaccines produced by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A. (Belgium) or Sanofi Pasteur S.A. (France) are used: “Infanrix hexa,” “Infanrix IPV Hib,” “Infanrix IPV,” “Boostrix polio,” “Hexaxim,” “Pentaxim,” “Tetraxim.” These vaccines are offered by the Dobrobut clinic.

If an adult has not completed all 5 doses of polio vaccination, state-funded vaccination is no longer available after 18 years of age. However, completing the course with “Boostrix polio” at personal expense is appropriate.

Possible effects of vaccination

Most often, there is no reaction to the polio vaccine — the child behaves as usual. There are no significant restrictions on bathing, walking, or eating after vaccination. The child does not shed the virus after vaccination and does not pose a risk to others.

Because the vaccine is administered by injection, mild swelling up to 5 cm and redness up to 10 cm in diameter may occur at the injection site. A fever may also develop within 3 days after vaccination. These reactions are more likely associated with other components of combination vaccines.

Poliomyelitis is a dangerous infectious disease with no preventive measures other than vaccination. Vaccination is mandatory not only in Ukraine but worldwide. The decision to vaccinate is made by parents together with a physician, considering the child’s health status and current recommendations. It is important to remember that vaccination is safe, while poliovirus can lead to serious complications.