Polio Immunization (Vaccine)

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Immunization schedule

Polio vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and vaccination should begin during infancy. In most parts of the US, polio immunization is required before a child can start school.

Children should receive four doses of IPV: one dose each at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. Children who have received three doses of IPV before age 4 should receive a fourth dose before or at the time of school entry. The fourth dose is not needed if the third dose is given on or after the fourth birthday.

The first and second doses of the IPV are necessary to provide a primary immune response, and the third and fourth doses raise the strength of the antibody to high levels.

Once the initial series of vaccinations is complete, adults are NOT routinely given booster vaccinations unless they are likely to be exposed to the disease (for example, if they plan to travel to an area where polio is currently occurring).

For almost everyone, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.