Poliomyelitis Vaccination Vaccination schedule Poliomyelitis is a serious condition which causes paralysis and death. The best way to prevent it is by vaccination. There are two types of polio vaccines, which are the live poliovirus vaccine given orally (OPV) and an inactivated poliovirus vaccine given by injection (IPV). Both types contain the antigens to all 3 types of polio. OPV is routinely used in Hong Kong. However if a person has an immune system which is suppressed by drugs or disease, one should not receive OPV. Instead IPV can be used. In immunisations using the OPV, a single drop of vaccine is delivered in milk, syrup, food or the popular cube of sugar. In Hong Kong an OPV that contains only virus type 1 is given at birth. Subsequently trivalent OPV is given at three months and five months of age, with reinforcing doses (boosters) at 18 months, 6 years, and again at 12 years. Boosters thereafter are not normally necessary, unless travelling to an area where polio is common. In immunisations using the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, the vaccine is injected with a fine needle under the skin on the thighs of infants or on the arms of older children. Recommendations For infants travelling to areas of high risk, the primary doses of vaccines are recommended to be completed prior to departure. For previously immunized adults travelling to endemic areas, ten-yearly boosters are desirable. Adverse reactions Side effects to polio immunisations are infrequent, and the risk of paralysis from the vaccination is extremely rare (estimated at one case per 3.4 million doses). Contraindications There are reasons for not giving polio vaccine: Acute illness with a raised temperature; Diarrhoea and/or vomiting; Treatment with high doses of steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system and also some forms of radiation therapy; Conditions which suppress the immune system such as leukemia and lymphomas; First four months of pregnancy, although no evidence exists of harm done to a baby born after such administration of vaccine; If you are allergic to certain antibiotics (penicillin, neomycin, polymyxin or streptomycin).