Why It Is Used

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a virus that damages nerves that control muscles, resulting in muscle weakness. In a severe case, a person can lose the ability to move both arms and legs (paralysis) and to breathe without help.

In the early 1900s, thousands of people were paralyzed or died from polio. Today, polio immunization programs have eliminated the disease in Canada, the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Outbreaks occur in other parts of the world but are rare.

For babies and children

A total of four shots are given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 4 to 6 years of age. The polio vaccine may be combined with other vaccines so children only have to receive one shot (known as the 4-in-1, 5-in-1, or 6-in-1 shots).

For adults

A booster dose of the polio vaccination is not needed for adults (even those who were not immunized as children) unless they:^{footnote 2}

• Travel to areas where there is polio.
• Live in an area where someone with polio has visited or moved to.
• Are health care workers who have contact with people with polio.
• Handle the polio virus in a lab.