Poliomyelitis (polio)

Key Information

• Disease: Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with ongoing outbreaks in other regions.
• Vaccine: Inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV) is used in Canada, producing immunity in over 95% of recipients after three doses and nearly 100% after a booster.
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Not used in Canada due to association with paralytic polio cases.

Recommendations for Use

• Infants and Children: Routine immunization with DTaP-IPV-Hib at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months; booster at 4-6 years.
• Unimmunized Adults: Primary series of IPV-containing vaccine, especially for those at increased risk of exposure.
• Previously Immunized Adults: Single lifetime booster for those at increased risk (e.g., travelers to endemic areas).

Preparations Authorized for Use in Canada

• ADACEL®-POLIO (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.): Tdap-IPV
• BOOSTRIX®-POLIO (GlaxoSmithKline Inc.): Tdap-IPV
• IMOVAX®Polio (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.): IPV
• INFANRIX®-IPV/Hib (GlaxoSmithKline Inc.): DTaP-IPV-Hib
• INFANRIX hexa™ (GlaxoSmithKline Inc.): DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib
• PEDIACEL® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.): DTaP-IPV-Hib
• QUADRACEL® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.): DTaP-IPV

Vaccine Administration

• Dose: 0.5 mL administered intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SC).
• Schedule:
  • Infants: DTaP-IPV-Hib at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months.
  • Children: Booster at 4-6 years with DTaP-IPV or Tdap-IPV.
  • Adults: IPV series for unimmunized adults; lifetime booster for high-risk individuals.

Vaccine Safety and Adverse Events

• Common Reactions: Mild injection site reactions.
• Serious Reactions: Rare, may include anaphylaxis.