What Is Polio? Polio is an infection caused by a virus that can lead to permanent paralysis. IPV Immunization Schedule Children usually get the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years. Sometimes IPV is given in a combination vaccine along with other vaccines. In this case, a child might receive a fifth dose of IPV. This is safe. The oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is still used in many parts of the world, but hasn't been used in the United States since 2000. Using IPV eliminates the small risk of developing polio after receiving the live oral polio vaccine. OPV doses given before April 2016 can count toward a child's U.S. polio vaccination requirements. Doses given after that will not count. Why Is the IPV Vaccine Recommended? The vaccine offers protection against polio, which can cause paralysis and death. What Are the Possible Side Effects of IPV Immunization? Side effects include fever and redness or soreness at the injection site. There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine. When to Delay or Avoid IPV Immunization The vaccine is not recommended if your child: has a severe allergy to the antibiotics neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B had a serious allergic reaction to an earlier IPV shot Caring for Your Child After IPV Immunization IPV may cause mild fever, and soreness and redness where the shot was given for several days. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever and to find out the right dose. When Should I Call the Doctor? Call the doctor if: You aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided. Your child has any problems after getting the vaccine. Back to Articles Related Articles Polio Polio is a contagious disease that can be prevented with vaccination. Read More Your Child's Immunizations Immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy. Read More Immunization Schedule Which vaccines does your child need and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference. Read More What Can I Do to Ease My Child's Fear of Shots? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More A Kid's Guide to Shots If you're old enough to read this, you've probably had most of your shots. But even bigger kids may need a shot once in a while. Find out more about them in this article for kids. Read More How Do I Know Which Vaccines My Kids Need? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Immunizations Missing out on shots puts you at more serious risk than you might think. That one little "ouch" moment protects you from some major health problems. Read More 5 Tips for Surviving Shots If you're afraid of shots, you're not alone. Next time your doc asks you to roll up your sleeve, try these tips. Read More How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More How Vaccines Help (Video) Vaccines help keep kids healthy, but many parents still have questions about them. Get answers here. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.