Polio

About polio disease

Polio (poliomyelitis) is caused by the poliovirus. It spreads through contact with the feces of an infected person or through contaminated food or water. Most people infected with polio have no symptoms or mild illness, but in some cases the virus attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis, especially in the legs. Other complications can include breathing difficulties and death in severe cases.

 

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Fever 
  • Fatigue 
  • Headache 
  • Sore throat 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Muscle pain 
  • Stiff neck or back 

 

Thanks to vaccination, polio has been eliminated in Canada, but it still circulates in a few countries, making continued immunization important.

Resources

    • In Yukon, polio vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule and is provided free of charge to eligible individuals.
    • Yukon uses only the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). IPV is given by injection, cannot cause polio, and provides excellent protection.

    Polio vaccine may be given:

    • As part of a routine childhood combination vaccine, or
    • On its own, usually for adults who have not completed a polio vaccine series.

  • The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is recommended for:

    • Infants and children as part of Yukon’s routine immunization schedule 
    • Older children and adults who missed completing the routine series.   
    • Close contacts of someone recently vaccinated with oral polio vaccine (OPV) in another country

  • Infants and Children

    • Polio vaccine is given as 5 doses, starting at 2 months of age.
    • Children who miss doses should complete the series through a catch-up schedule.

    Adults

    • Adults who have never been vaccinated against polio need 3 doses.
    • Most adults who completed their childhood polio vaccinations do not need additional doses.
    • Some Oral polio vaccine (OPV) doses given outside Canada may not provide full protection against all types of polio. Speak to your health care provider.

  • Most adults who completed their polio vaccine series do not need a booster.

    • Some adults at higher risk of exposure may benefit from a single lifetime booster dose of IPV. This booster is not publicly funded.

    A booster may be recommended for:

    • Travellers to areas where polio is circulating
    • Health care workers with potential exposure
    • Humanitarian or military personnel deployed to affected regions
    • Safe and highly effective protection against polio 
    • Prevents serious illness and long-term complications 
    • Helps reduce the spread of disease in the community 
    • Free for eligible people in Yukon 

  • Common side effects may include:

    • Redness, swelling, or soreness at injection site 
    • Mild fever 
    • Tiredness 
    • These reactions are mild and usually last 1–2 days.

    To manage potential side effects:

    • Apply a cool, damp cloth 
    • Use acetaminophen if needed 
    • Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours

    It's important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine because, although it's very rare, some people might have a severe allergic reaction. The clinic can treat it right away. This happens to less than 1 in a million people. If you have a reaction after   leaving, call 911 or your local emergency number.