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WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST
- Polio
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
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WHO IT’S FOR
Infants and young children
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WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6-18 months
- 4-6 years
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BENEFITS
- Protects against permanent paralysis and severe nervous system damage
- Keeps children protected from a disease that can cause lifelong disability or death
- Helps stop the illnessfrom spreading to others
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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
- Soreness around injection site
- Mild fever
- Tiredness
- Serious allergic reactions are rare
Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.
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VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)
- Ipol
Combination vaccines (protect against more than one disease):
- Pediarix – DTaP, Hepatitis B and inactivated Poliovirus vaccine (DTaP-HepB-IPV)
- Pentacel – DTaP, inactivated Poliovirus, and Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine (DTaP-IPV/Hib)
- Kinrix / Quadracel – DTaP and inactivated Poliovirus vaccine (DTaP-IPV)
- Vaxelis – DTaP, inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Hepatitis B vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB)
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COMMON QUESTIONS
Why is polio vaccination still important?
Polio is much less common today in many countries, including the United States, because the vaccine has worked to prevent its spread. Despite this, the virus still exists in some parts of the world and can spread through outbreaks or travel.