Polio Vaccination for Children
Every parent strives to provide their child with maximum protection against disease. Vaccination is one of the most important ways to prevent dangerous infections, including polio. This disease affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis and serious complications, including disability and death. Since 1998, polio has been completely eradicated thanks to vaccination.
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Why is polio vaccination necessary?
The main goal of vaccination is to develop a child's lasting immunity to the polio virus. Vaccinations allow the body to produce antibodies that protect the child even when exposed to the infection. This is especially important given that polio is transmitted through the air and by direct contact.
Types of polio vaccines
There are two types of polio vaccines:
- Inactivated polio vaccine: administered intramuscularly, contains a killed virus and induces specific immunity without the risk of developing the disease.
- Oral live polio vaccine: administered orally, stimulates local immunity in the intestinal mucosa, preventing the virus from reproducing in the body.
The choice of a specific vaccine depends on the pediatrician's recommendations and the child's individual health characteristics.
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
This is a type of vaccine used to protect against polio. It is produced from weakened viruses that have lost their ability to cause infection but retain their immune-stimulating properties.
Advantages of IPV:
- Safety: IPV does not cause vaccine-associated polio, as the viruses have been inactivated.
- Efficacy: Develops strong humoral immunity, providing long-term protection against all three types of poliovirus.
- Ease of administration: It is administered intramuscularly, a quick and painless procedure.
When the drug is administered, the body recognizes foreign antigens, producing specific antibodies capable of neutralizing the live virus upon entry. This results in long-term immunity to the disease. IPV is considered safe and rarely causes serious adverse events.
Comparison table of vaccines
Below is a comparative table of the two types of polio vaccines:
|
Characteristics |
IPV |
OPV |
|
Virus Type |
Inactivated |
Live Attenuated |
|
Protection |
Development of General Immunity |
Development of general and intestinal immunity |
|
Risk of VAPP |
None |
Very low |
|
Contraindications |
Allergic reactions to drug components |
HIV, immunodeficiency |
|
At what age is it used in the Russian Federation? |
3, 4.5 months |
6 months, 1.5 years, and 6 years |
The choice of vaccine type depends on the specific circumstances and the purpose of vaccination. OPV is considered more effective, but the risk of complications is somewhat higher than with IPV.
Polio Vaccination Schedule
Compliance with the established vaccination schedule plays a key role in developing strong immunity. Strict adherence to the recommended schedule minimizes the risk of complications and ensures effective protection for the child's body throughout life. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the details of the national vaccination schedule.
Polio vaccination schedule
The National Calendar provides the following program for protection against polio:
- The first vaccination is administered at 3 months of age.
- The second vaccination is administered 1.5 months later, at 4.5 months.
- The third vaccination is administered at 6 months. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is permitted from this age onward.
- The initial booster vaccination is administered at 1.5 years.
- The second booster vaccination is administered at 20 months.
- The final third booster vaccination is administered at 14 years of age.
When using the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), the protocol is modified as follows: children with a weakened immune system receive three doses, while other children receive two doses. The interval between the first and second vaccines is forty-five days. Twelve months after completing the primary course, an additional dose is administered to maintain immunity, and after five years, another dose is required.
Unscheduled polio vaccination
Circumstances often arise that require vaccinating patients outside the established timeframe. The most common cases include:
- Lack of documentary evidence of previous immunization. Patients undergo the procedure in the same way as individuals who have not previously received preventive vaccinations.
- Traveling to regions with an increased risk of infection. In this case, immunization with a single dose of oral vaccine is required. It is recommended to complete this procedure at least four months before travel.
- A sharp increase in the number of cases above the epidemiological threshold. The number of necessary procedures is determined by the type of infectious agent causing the outbreak.
Timely and properly organized unscheduled vaccinations ensure reliable protection of the health of every child and prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases.
How is immunization carried out?
The method of immunization depends on the drug used. The oral vaccine is delivered into the mouth using a special medical IV or a sterile disposable syringe without a needle. The solution is applied directly to the surface of the tongue or tonsils.
The dosage of the solution varies depending on its composition: a standard single dose ranges from two to four drops. A young child's reaction to the administered drug can sometimes be manifested by a reflexive expulsion of stomach contents. If this occurs once, the procedure is immediately repeated.
The inactivated form of the vaccine is administered subcutaneously. For children under one and a half years old, the injection is given in the shoulder area, close to the scapula, while for older children, it is preferable to administer the drug into the thigh muscle. Since complications are extremely rare, the child's condition is assessed by a doctor immediately after the procedure, and the family can leave the medical facility almost immediately.
Indications and contraindications for vaccination
Doctors typically recommend that every parent vaccinate their child against polio, as it protects against a dangerous virus that causes paralysis and serious health problems. However, there are cases when vaccination should be temporarily postponed or avoided altogether.
A decision regarding contraindications is made solely by a doctor after a thorough examination.
It is prohibited to vaccinate if:
- The baby is sick right now - first we need to wait for a full recovery
- There had previously been a strong negative reaction of the body to previous vaccinations
- There is an allergy to the components of the drug
General information
Why is it better to vaccinate your child against polio at K+31?
Want to be sure that the polio vaccine will be administered safely and efficiently? Then we recommend contacting the K+31 clinic. Experienced specialists on staff will carefully examine your child before the procedure and provide expert advice on post-vaccination care.
The center's modern offices are equipped with all the necessary equipment, and the vaccination itself is performed in sterile conditions to eliminate any risks. Convenient appointment times are available, allowing you to plan your visit without rushing or unnecessary fuss. Experienced nurses are ready to administer the injection or drops painlessly and with care for your child's comfort.
Polio vaccination prices for children in Moscow
The cost of a polio vaccination in Moscow depends on various factors. For example, the type of vaccine itself plays a role: a domestically produced vaccine is cheaper than an imported equivalent. The method of administration is also important: drops are less expensive than an injection.
A polio vaccine is available for a fee at the K+31 clinic, starting at 8,800 rubles. You can find out the exact cost by calling the clinic or during an appointment with the doctor. The price list, available for download on the clinic's website, can also help you find out how much the vaccination costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the polio vaccine safe for children?
Polio vaccinations are a safe way to prevent this serious infectious disease, especially important for children. Modern medications are highly effective and minimize the risk of adverse effects. However, every person is unique, and parents should follow their doctor's recommendations regarding possible contraindications.
When is it better to postpone the vaccination?
It is recommended to postpone vaccination in cases of acute chronic illnesses, fever, exacerbation of neurological conditions, or other medical indications. The decision to postpone should be made in consultation with the pediatrician, taking into account the child's overall well-being.
Are children contagious after the polio vaccine?
Children who have received a live vaccine can theoretically shed the virus into the environment. Therefore, contact between these children and individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, or pregnant women should be limited for a short period of time after vaccination.
What should I do if I missed the vaccination deadline?
If a child misses a scheduled vaccination, their vaccination schedule is resumed based on their current age and previous vaccination history. The missed vaccination is usually made up by the earliest available method, adhering to the recommended intervals between doses. Before starting vaccinations, the doctor will always consult with parents about further steps.
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General information about polio
The disease most often affects young children, although adults are also at risk. Polio is caused by an enterovirus, transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route. Infection can occur through contaminated food, water, or shared objects.
Contact with an infected person also increases the risk of spreading the virus. Symptoms of polio range from mild forms (fever, headache, muscle weakness) to severe cases, accompanied by paralysis of the legs or arms. Severe forms of the disease lead to irreversible consequences, such as chronic disability and respiratory problems.