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March 2010
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What is Imovax® Polio vaccine?
Imovax® Polio is a vaccine currently used in Canada to protect against polio disease or poliomyelitis. It is approved for use in infants, children and adults. Children attending school in Ontario are required to be immunized against polio unless there is a valid exemption.
What is poliomyelitis or polio?
Polio is a rare infectious disease of the spinal cord caused by three types of the polio virus that can live in the throat and intestinal tract. Up to 95 percent of persons infected with the polio virus have mild or no signs of illness. Approximately four to eight percent of infected persons will have minor symptoms such as a fever, sore throat, upset stomach, or flu-like symptoms and have no paralysis or other serious symptoms. In one to two percent of individuals, poliovirus infection can spread to the brain and spinal cord, causing severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness, and stiffness of the neck, back or legs. This form of the illness can last from two to ten days, and is usually followed by complete recovery. Approximately one percent of persons infected with the polio virus develop the severe form of the disease called paralytic polio in which there is a sudden onset of weakness or paralysis of muscles occurring in different parts of the body. Of those with paralytic polio, five to 10 percent die when the respiratory muscles are paralyzed.
How common is polio in Canada?
Polio was one of the most feared childhood diseases of the 20th century in Canada. Polio infection in Canada peaked during the period of 1950-54, with over 1,500 reported annual cases during this time. Due to the success of vaccination, wild polio virus has been eliminated in Canada. Poliovirus is still found in other parts of the world and could be re-introduced to Canada through travel or migration.
How does polio infection spread from person to person?
Poliovirus is found in the throat and stool of infected people several days before symptoms occur. The virus can also be found in the stools for up to six weeks after the illness begins. Infected persons can spread the virus in several ways: from the throat directly to another person by coughing, sneezing and kissing; or, more commonly, from the stool by contamination of the hands, food or water.
How well does the polio vaccine protect against polio disease?
Polio vaccine protects almost 100 percent of people who receive the complete series of shots. Fully immunized children and adults do not currently need a booster dose. A single booster dose of polio vaccine is recommended for persons who are at high risk of exposure, such as persons who are traveling to areas where there are polio outbreaks.
Who should be vaccinated with the polio vaccine?
It is recommended that all children be vaccinated against polio. The polio vaccine is usually given at two, four, six and 18 months of age as part of a combination vaccine that protects children against five serious diseases. A final booster is given before school entry, usually between the ages of four and six years, again as part of a combination vaccine. Polio vaccine is also available for people who were not vaccinated when they were young. This vaccine is given at least three times for full protection.
Who should not be vaccinated with polio vaccine?
Persons who have a severe allergy to antibiotics called neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B should not receive the Imovax® Polio vaccine. Persons who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the Imovax® Polio vaccine (or a vaccine containing similar components) should also not receive the vaccine. Signs of severe allergy include hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hypotension and shock.
Toronto Public Health staff will ask individuals who have a high fever or illness more serious than a cold, a bleeding disorder, or a progressive neurological disorder to receive the Imovax® Polio vaccine from their health care provider, who is more familiar with their medical condition.
What are the possible side-effects of the Imovax® Polio vaccine?
Common side-effects include pain, redness and swelling for a few days at the spot where the needle was given. Other mild side-effects may include fever. Severe allergic and other reactions are very rare.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your health care provider if your child has any of the following side-effects within 14 days of getting the needle: hives, swelling of the face or mouth, trouble breathing, high fever (over 40°C), convulsions or seizures, very pale skin colour and drowsiness or any other severe or unexpected symptoms.
What if my child misses a dose of polio vaccine?
Your child should get the shot as soon as possible. Your health care provider will tell you when to come back for the next dose in the series. Even if your child misses a dose, they do not have to start the series again.
Can I get polio from my child after they get this vaccine?
The Imovax® Polio vaccine contains inactivated or killed polio virus. There is no risk to a pregnant woman or anyone else of catching polio from someone who has been recently vaccinated with the Imovax® Polio vaccine.
Do I have to pay for the polio vaccine?
No. The polio vaccine is free in Ontario.
Where can I find more information?
For further information, ask your doctor or call Toronto Public Health Immunization Information Line at 416-392-1250.
Last updated November 2010
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