Polio Vaccine: Possible Things You Need To Know

Polio

Polio is an infection caused by a virus that leads to permanent disabilities, and it can be prevented by the polio vaccine.

It can spread from an infected person to another person through salvia droplets, coughs, poop, etc.

Polio Vaccine

Polio drug is one the only option to prevent poliovirus because there is no cure once it is done.

There are two types of vaccines used:

IPV (Inactivated polio vaccine)

IPV is very safe for humans, it is an injection that gives into the arm, and leg, depending on the personage.

It tends to be managed alone or in combination with different vaccines such as – Hepatitis B, Pertussis, Diphtheria, Lockjaw, and Haemophilus flu.

NOTE: IPV produces antibodies against all 3 types of poliovirus in the blood.

In case of infection, these antibiotics prevent the spread of the infection to the Central Nervous System and protect against paralysis.

OPV (Oral polio vaccine)

OPV is the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended vaccine for the worldwide annihilation of polio.

CDC (central diseases control) recommends that children get 4 doses of polio vaccine.

NOTE: OPV gives children 2 drops into the mouth.

This vaccine builds protection in the child’s intestine, and not only protects the child who receives it but others around the vaccinated child.

Both types of vaccines are generally safe for pregnant women, and HIV/AIDS.

These two vaccines have been adopted in most parts of the world and have been used against polio.

And the number of cases reported every year, from 350,000 in 1988 to 33 in 2018.

History of Polio Vaccine

Polio was a disease that paralyzed people instead of killing people, and there is still there no cure for polio.

But we can stop the poliovirus by getting vaccinated.

Important Key Points

As we know there are 2 vaccines IPV and OPV both medicines work differently and both were discovered by different scientists.

IPV Injection vaccine – The first successful polio vaccine comes out in 1955, by Jonas Salk (A American scientist), and with a team at the University of Pittsburg.

From April 1954 to April 1955, Dr Salk has done tests on about 18 lakh children, and these 18 lakh children are also known as Polio Pioneers.

These were the first children who risked their lives to advance the polio drug.

OPV Drop Vaccine – WHO and CDC recommended vaccines are developed by Albert Sabin which is commercially used in 1961.

But instead of the Dr Salk vaccine, the Dr Sabin vaccine is more popular due to the:

• Its low cost
• no pain
• ease to give to children
• no redness
• no injection complication

March of Dimes -Dr. Roosevelt was a president of America, who had polio.

so they create an organization called March of Dimes (This organization that provides funds for the research of polio).

Is It Still Mandatory To Vaccinate

Most Adults do not need the polio vaccine because they were already vaccinated in childhood.

NOTE: It is still mandatory for children every year to maintain an immunity population against poliovirus.

India organizes NID and two-sub national vaccination days against polio every year to maintain population immunity against it and maintain a polio-free mark.

Learn more about – Food that builds immunity.

But there are some other people who are at risk of these diseases such as:

• Children under 5 years
• children who live in Pakistan and Afghanistan because these countries have still polio cases.
• travelling in polio-affected countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan also enhances the risk of poliovirus.

So, make sure that whatever country you live in, children must be vaccinated against polio.

Polio Vaccine Schedule

• In India, the 1st dose of polio is given to children at birth.
• The 2nd dose is given in 1 month.
• The 3rd dose is given in 2 months.

NOTE: Go to the doctor to know the right vaccine schedule for the baby.

Every year polio campaign is run by the Govt of India where you can give free polio drops to your children.

keep in mind that you must vaccinate the child with polio during birth, and give the 2nd dose and 3rd doses on time.

Polio Vaccine Effectiveness?

NOTE: All three doses of the polio vaccine completely protect your child from poliovirus and provide lifetime immunity.

And to date, no such case has come from all over the world where a person has got polio even after getting the polio vaccine.

Both polio drug is fully protected and gives life-long immunity.

Side Effects of Polio Vaccine

The polio vaccine also has side effects but for a certain time or temporarily such as:

• Redness
• fatigue
• swelling
• fever when you take the vaccine through injection. And it bitter when you take 2 drops of OPV.

This side effect is normal in polio.

Mostly all vaccines have side effects even if you take the coronavirus vaccine such as tiredness, fever, and pain in joints, which is normal.

But if you don’t take precautions it becomes a serious matter.

Down Line

Polio was a disease that paralyzed people instead of killing them, and its vaccine is the only cure because there is still there no cure for polio.

Every year polio campaign is run by the Govt of India where you can give free polio drops to your children.

All three doses of the polio drug completely protect your child from the poliovirus and provide lifetime immunity.