Polio vaccination is essential in protecting children from poliovirus, a highly contagious disease that can lead to paralysis and disability. Understanding the polio vaccination schedule ensures your child gets timely protection against this life-threatening disease as part of their child growth and development. In this comprehensive guide, we cover the age limits for polio drops, types of polio vaccines, immunization schedules, and the importance of vaccination in global eradication efforts.
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a viral disease that primarily affects young children. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and contact with infected individuals. The virus attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, permanent disability.
There are two primary types of polio vaccines used worldwide:
Given as oral drops.
Contains a weakened poliovirus that stimulates immunity.
Widely used in mass immunization campaigns.
Given as an injection.
Contains an inactivated virus that cannot cause polio.
Recommended in routine immunization programs.
Both vaccines play a crucial role in preventing polio and are included in national immunization schedules.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), children should receive polio vaccines at specific intervals.
Vaccine Type |
Age of Administration |
Dose Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Birth Dose (OPV-0) |
At birth (within 15 days) |
Oral Drops |
|
First Dose (OPV-1 + IPV-1) |
6 weeks |
Oral + Injection |
|
Second Dose (OPV-2 + IPV-2) |
10 weeks |
Oral + Injection |
|
Third Dose (OPV-3) |
14 weeks |
Oral Drops |
|
Booster Dose (OPV Booster + IPV Booster) |
16-24 months |
Oral + Injection |
|
Additional Booster (OPV) |
5 years |
Oral Drops |
The first oral polio vaccine (OPV-0) is crucial for newborns as it provides early protection.
It is especially important in polio-endemic regions.
Polio has been eliminated in many countries, but pockets of infection remain in some regions. Countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan still report cases.
India was declared polio-free in 2014 due to aggressive vaccination campaigns.
Regular Pulse Polio drives continue to maintain immunity levels.
Ensuring your child gets all polio doses is crucial for a polio-free future. Regular vaccinations, maintaining immunization records, and participating in national Pulse Polio campaigns help keep polio at bay. Polio vaccination plays a crucial role in early health, as outlined in our comprehensive child development guide.
At Sapling Hospital, we provide:
✔ Expert pediatricians for child vaccination.
✔ WHO-approved polio vaccines (OPV & IPV).
✔ A comfortable, child-friendly environment for vaccinations.
Babies should receive their first polio vaccine at 6 weeks of age, followed by additional doses at 10 weeks and 14 weeks as part of routine immunization. A booster dose is recommended at 16–24 months to ensure long-term protection.
While polio vaccines are primarily given in childhood, unvaccinated individuals can receive catch-up doses at any age. In some countries, adults traveling to polio-risk regions may need a booster dose.
Most adults who were fully vaccinated as children do not need additional polio shots. However, a single booster dose is recommended for those traveling to polio-endemic areas, healthcare workers, and lab professionals handling poliovirus.
If you’re unsure about your polio immunity, a blood test measuring polio antibodies can confirm whether you’re protected. This test is typically recommended for individuals without a documented vaccination history.
Missing a polio dose isn’t uncommon, but it’s important to catch up as soon as possible rather than restarting the entire series. Speak with a pediatrician to adjust the schedule based on your child’s age.
Yes, unvaccinated adults or those at high risk should receive a three-dose series of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). Those who had childhood vaccinations but need extra protection can take a single booster dose.
Yes, both Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) are safe, WHO-approved, and highly effective. Side effects are rare and mild, such as minor fever or redness at the injection site.
After completing the recommended polio vaccine schedule in childhood, immunity generally lasts a lifetime. However, individuals at high risk may require booster doses to maintain protection.
Serious side effects from polio vaccines are extremely rare. The OPV carries a minimal risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus in immunocompromised individuals, while IPV has no known major adverse effects.
Polio vaccines are available at government immunization centers, pediatric clinics, and hospitals. If you’re in Delhi NCR, you can visit Sapling Hospitals for expert pediatric care and vaccinations.
📍 Book an appointment today!
At Sapling Hospital, we are committed to providing exceptional medical care in Delhi, ensuring the health and happiness of our patients. Specializing in women’s health, maternity care, pediatrics, child healthcare, surgery, and internal medicine, we offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services. Trust our expert team to meet all your maternity and pediatric healthcare needs in Delhi with compassion and advanced medical expertise.
