The polio vaccine is a vaccine given to prevent poliomyelitis or polio. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia stipulates the polio vaccine as a type of vaccine that must be given to children.
There are two types of polio vaccine, namely: oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). OPV contains live attenuated poliovirus, whereas IPV uses inactivated virus. In Indonesia, the type of OPV used is bOPV, which is a bivalent oral polio vaccine.
This vaccine works by triggering the body to form antibodies that can fight infection with the polio virus.
Polio vaccine trademarks: Imovax Polio, Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV), Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine Types 1 & 3, Trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (Sabin)
What is Polio Vaccine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Vaccine |
| Benefit | Prevent polio |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Polio vaccine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether the polio vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Injections and mouth drops |
Warning Before Receiving Polio Vaccine
The polio vaccine will be given by a doctor or medical officer at a health facility. Note the following points before undergoing vaccination with the polio vaccine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you or your child have, including if you are allergic to formalin, neomycin, streptomycin, or polymixin B. The polio vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in this vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you have a fever or have an infectious disease. The polio vaccine will be delayed until you recover.
- Tell your doctor if you or your child have or are currently suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Tell the doctor if you or your child has a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or long-term use of immunosuppressant drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you or your child are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effect after getting the polio vaccine shot.
Polio Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
In accordance with the immunization schedule issued by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), the polio vaccine is one of the vaccines that must be given to children. The polio vaccine in children will be given 4 times and the vaccine booster 1 time.
The following are the polio vaccine doses based on the patient's age:
Children
For primary immunization, the dose is 0.5 ml. The first dose is given to the baby shortly after birth in the form of oral drops (OPV). The next vaccine is given at the age of 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months. Vaccine booster given when the child is 18 months old.
Mature
Most polio vaccines have been given to children. However, in adults who have never received the vaccine, 3 doses can be given, 0.5 ml injected through the muscle (intramuscular / IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous / SC).
The first two doses are given 1–2 months apart, and the third dose 6–12 months apart after the second dose.
How to Give Polio Vaccine
Always follow your doctor's instructions and recommendations before receiving the polio vaccine. The polio vaccine is one of the vaccines that must be given to children.
The polio vaccine will be given directly by a doctor or health worker under the supervision of a doctor at a health facility (faskes). Follow the injection schedule given by the doctor.
Polio in the form of oral drops (OPV) is given to babies shortly after birth. Furthermore, continued OPV or IPV can be given by injection into the muscle (intramuscular / IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous / SC).
IPV is recommended to be given 2 times before the age of 1 year. In Indonesia, the schedule for administering the polio vaccine can be done together with other vaccines, such as DPT.
The polio vaccine must be given according to a predetermined schedule so that the vaccine can work more effectively. The child must take the entire prescribed dose. If your child misses a dose, see a doctor immediately for the missed dose.
Polio Vaccine Interactions with Other Drugs
If used with immunoglobulins or drugs that have an immunosuppressive effect (immunosuppressants), including corticosteroid drugs, the effectiveness of the polio vaccine will decrease. To be safe, tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you or your child are taking before getting vaccinated.
Polio Vaccine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can appear after getting the polio vaccine injection are:
- Dizzy
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Ears ringing
- Fever
- The child is fussy or looks tired
- Throw up
Report to your doctor if you or your child experience an allergic reaction or a more serious side effect, such as high fever, severe drowsiness, fainting, or seizures, after receiving the polio vaccine.