It is recommended that children are vaccinated early on to prevent infection. This early vaccination helps children build immunity. If you were not vaccinated as a child, it is still recommended that you receive the vaccination. To verify that you are vaccinated contact your healthcare provider (CDC, 2024).
The recommendation is 4 doses of IPV it is the most effective protection.
1st dose: 2 months old
2nd dose: 4 months old
3rd dose: 6-18 months old
4th dose: 4-6 years old
OPV: Is not used in the United States anymore to prevent the risk of variations of the virus emerging. This vaccine is administered by dripping the vaccine into the mouth. Even if it is effective in providing protection preventing further variations is a higher priority (CDC, 2024).
*If children are not vaccinated, they are at a higher risk of contraction Poliovirus* 😞
Practicing good hygiene like washing your hands regularly can decrease your risk of contracting and spreading the virus. It is especially important to instill this pracitce in children. To further protect them not just from Poliovirus but from other viruses as well. It is best to wash your hands with soap and water. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not effective in killing Poliovirus (CDC, 2024).