Polio Vaccine for Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Polio is a disease that can be fatal or cause paralysis. It is caused by a virus. Polio can be prevented with a vaccine, which is given to children as a shot. Before there was a polio vaccine, the disease used to be common in the United States. Polio has now been eliminated in the United States, but it still occurs in some parts of the world.

Children should get four doses of the vaccine, at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years. The doses are usually given on the same schedule as other important vaccines for children. The polio vaccine may be given in combination with other vaccines.

Talk to your doctor if your child has missed a dose of polio vaccine.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

You may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain or fussiness, to help lower a fever, or if the area where the shot was given is sore. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Do not give a child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Your child has a seizure.
Your child has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
- Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.
- Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
- Trouble breathing.
- Passing out (losing consciousness). Or your child may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
- Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
- A rash or hives (raised, red areas on the skin).
- Itching.
- Swelling.
- Mild belly pain or nausea.
Your child has a high fever.
Your child cries for 3 hours or more within 2 to 3 days after getting the shot.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.