poliovirus vaccine

(¦pō·lē·ō′vī·rəs vak′sēn)

(immunology) A vaccine prepared from one or all three types of polioviruses in a live or attenuated state.

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Brand names: IPOL®

Drug Forms:
• Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated, IPV (below)
• Poliovirus Vaccine Inactivated (Trivalent) Suspension for injection

Español:
• Vacuna antipoliomielítica inactivada, IPV
• Vacuna antipoliomielítica inactivada (Trivalente) Suspensión para inyección

Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated, IPV

What is Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated, IPV?

INACTIVATED POLIOVIRUS VACCINE, IPV (IPOL®) is a vaccine that protects against poliovirus infections. The vaccine helps the body produce antibodies (protective substances) that will fight polio. Most school systems in the US require that children receive vaccination against polio. This vaccine is usually started at 8 weeks of age and given every 2 months for a total of 3 doses. A fourth dose may be needed. In recent years, there has been concern about the safety of childhood vaccines. Serious reactions to the inactivated poliovirus vaccine are rare in small children. A generic vaccine is not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy, or HIV infection)
• fever or infection
• an unusual reaction to this poliovirus vaccine, oral poliovirus vaccine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

The inactivated poliovirus vaccine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. The vaccine is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital, clinic or prescriber's office. The vaccine is for certain adults, children, and infants as young as 6 weeks old.

The use of this vaccine must be officially recorded. Federal law requires that the vaccine manufacturer's name, the lot number of the vaccine, the name, address, and phone number of the person giving the vaccine, and the date of vaccine administration be recorded in the child's permanent medical record.

Your health care professional will give you some written information about the inactivated poliovirus vaccine. You need to read this information.

What if I miss a dose?

You need to receive all doses of the vaccine. Remember to keep appointments for follow-up doses. Call your health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment or if you miss a scheduled dose.

What drug(s) may interact with Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated, IPV?

• medicines that suppress your immune system (examples: anakinra, corticosteroids, etanercept, chemotherapy, infliximab, adalimumab)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated, IPV?

Children receiving the inactivated poliovirus vaccine should be carefully observed for 24—72 hours after receiving the injection. Contact your prescriber or health care professional and get emergency medical care if any serious side effects occur. Please report any problems that you or your child may have after getting the vaccine. The number to call is 1—800—822—7967. The call is free.

Your health care professional may give a dose of a non-aspirin pain/fever reliever at the time of the vaccine. Your doctor or nurse may advise you to give the medicine every 4 to 6 hours for the 24 hours after the vaccine. The medicine may help reduce fever and discomfort. Ask your health care professional for an appropriate dose and schedule.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated, IPV?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• child is limp, pale, or less alert
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing
• difficulty swallowing
• high fever (103 degrees F or more)
• inconsolable crying for 3 hours or more
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe skin rash, hives, or itching
• swelling of eyes or face
• unusual sleepiness

Side effects that usually do not require immediate medical attention (report these side effects to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• fussy
• less appetite
• low-grade fever (102 degrees F or less)
• pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, or a 'knot' at the injection site
• tired
• vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. Each dose of this vaccine will be given in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine to store at home.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

or poliomyelitis vaccine
n.

1. An aqueous suspension of inactivated strains of poliomyelitis virus given by injection, now largely replaced by the oral vaccine. Also called inactivated poliovirus vaccine.
2. An aqueous suspension of live attenuated strains of poliomyelitis virus, given orally for active immunization against poliomyelitis. Also called oral poliovirus vaccine.