Poliovirus Vaccine Inactivated (Injection)

Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated (POE-lee-oh VYE-rus vak-SEEN, in-AK-ti-vated)

Prevents infections caused by poliomyelitis (polio).

Brand Name(s):

Ipol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to poliovirus vaccine, neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B. If you have a serious illness with fever, wait until you are well before receiving this vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• The injection will be given by your doctor or nurse.
• An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle. A subcutaneous (sub-kyoo-TANE-ee-us) or SC injection is a shot given just under your skin.
• In infants and small children, the shot is usually given in the thigh; in adults, the shot is usually given in the upper arm.
• In children, a total of 4 shots of polio vaccine are given. The shots are usually given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age.
• This vaccine is not usually given to adults over the age of 18 living in the United States unless they may be exposed to polioviruses. If you are an adult receiving this vaccine, your doctor will tell you how many shots you need and when you should receive them.

If a dose is missed:

• Try not to be late for a scheduled shot.
• Make another appointment as soon as possible if you miss your scheduled shot.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cancer medicines or cortisone medicine (such as prednisone), or if you are receiving radiation therapy.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before receiving this vaccine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a fever, an infection, or any condition that affects your body's immune system.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• High fever (over 102 degrees F)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain, redness, swelling, or a lump where the injection was given
• Sleepiness, irritability

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.