Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)IPV contains killed polio virus. It stimulates immunity almost as well as the live virus but cannot cause real polio disease. Using IPV instead of OPV should prevent the 8-9 cases of vaccine-associated polio that occur each year. The inactivated vaccine must be given by injection. To reduce the risk of vaccine-associated polio, IPV is now the recommendation for starting polio immunizations.
Who Is at Risk?All non-immune children are susceptible to polio. Although there is no polio in the Western Hemisphere, it does exist in other parts of the world and has been brought to the U.S. before by visitors and immigrants. Until polio is eliminated worldwide, it is important to maintain immunity among all children.
Vaccine EffectivenessJust two doses of either the oral, live virus or the injected, killed virus vaccine stimulate immunity in more than 90% of recipients. Three doses stimulate immunity in almost 99% of recipients. Injected vaccine may prevent the rare cases of polio infection caused by giving the oral vaccine to someone with a weakened immune system.
When to Check with Your DoctorYou should check with your doctor or nurse practitioner before your child receives OPV (They may still be able to take the IPV) if he, a family household member, or other close contact:
Has a weakened immune system. Is taking long-term steroid medicine. Has cancer. Has AIDS or HIV infection. Is pregnant.
Additionally, if your child has ever experienced:A serious allergic reaction to previous OPV, he should not receive OPV. A serious allergic reaction to previous IPV, he should not receive IPV. A serious allergic reaction to streptomycin, polymixin B, or neomycin, he should not receive IPV.
Mild, Common ReactionsSoreness at the site of injection with IPV.
Rare, Severe Reactions
You Must Give PermissionYou must give permission. This web site information is no substitute for talking with your child's clinic personnel and reading their information sheet before your child is vaccinated. Make certain you understand the benefits and risks before you sign the permission form. You may request a copy of the permission form you are asked to sign. You may also have a copy of the vaccine package insert which has complete information on the vaccine.
What To Do If There Is a Serious Reaction
1. Call a doctor and get your child to a doctor immediately (call 911).
2. Write down what happened with the date and time of occurrence.
3. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call (800) 822-7967.
4. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program makes payments for persons thought to be injured by vaccines. For more information call (800) 338-2382.