CONTENT

PURPOSE OF POLIO VACCINE

1.       Polio is a disease.  It can paralyze (make arms and legs unable to move) or even cause death.

2.     Polio vaccine prevents polio. 

3.     Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the recommend childhood polio vaccine.  IPV is a shot.

4.     By getting the vaccine, your baby will be protected and have less of a risk of getting polio. 

SIDE EFFECTS 

1.       Mild soreness of the baby’s arm or leg

2.     Rash or hives

3.     Tachypnea (fast breathing)

4.     Breathing harder

5.     If your baby has any of these symptoms, please call the baby’s doctor right away.  Tell him when your baby was given the vaccine.

GIVING THE MEDICINE 

1.       All children should receive four (4) doses of IPV at:  2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years of age.

2.     Some of the infants admitted to the NICU will receive their first dose of polio vaccine before they are discharged. 

3.     Remember:  It is very important that your baby receive all his vaccinations.  

CALL THE DOCTOR IF… 

1.       Please talk with our Neonatologists while your baby is in the NICU and with your baby’s doctor once he is at home.

2.     Call the baby’s doctor if your baby has any side effects after receiving the medication or if you have any questions or concerns.

Reviewed/Revised:  

11/98, 3/01, 2/03, 10/05, 8/07