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National Immunization Day 2022: Know the Purpose and Benefits of Polio Vaccine

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Caused by the poliovirus, polio or poliomyelitis is a paralysing condition that infects the brain and spinal cord of the affected person. The virus reportedly enters the human body through the nose or mouth, gets into the respiratory and digestive systems. It then multipliesand enters the bloodstream.This is when the poliovirus starts invading the central nervous system and destroys the nerve cells. Polio typically affects the leg muscles and makes mobility difficult. In severe cases, the virus infects the muscles of the trunk, thorax and abdomen as well. Although the condition is common among children below 5 years of age, older adults with a low seroprotection level are also susceptible to the virus. Since polio or any other illness or injury can happen at any time, keeping health insurance plans handy for all family members is the need of the hour.

Arm your little one against polio

Polio symptoms are not the same for all children. While some may not feel ill, others can experience symptoms like common cold, muscle pain, stiffness, and paralysis within a week. The poliovirus mostly infects children less than 5 years of age and vaccine is the only way to prevent the condition. Each dose of the vaccine helps build immunity against the virus and prevents infection among children and other vulnerable people. Hence, if your child is due for a vaccine in 2022, make sure you take them to the nearest polio vaccine booth this National Immunization Day and get them immunized.Both Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) and Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) are highly effective and their timely administration can eradicate polio completely from the country.

Who should get the polio vaccine?

In India, infants and children below 6 years of age must get 4 or more doses of the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). However, in the United States, the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is given to children at the following ages:

• 2 months

• 4 months

• 6 to 18 months old

• 4 to 6 years old

As a parent, you must ensure that your child receives all doses of the vaccine as per the schedule to prevent the condition.

Since most adults were vaccinated when they were below 6 years of age, they need not take the vaccine again. However,in some cases, taking the polio vaccine is important for adolescents as well as adults who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus. Here are some examples:

• Children and adults travelling to countries with a high prevalence of poliomust take the vaccinebetween 4 weeks and 12 months before travelling. This also holds true for those who have been vaccinated against polio in the past.

• People living in or travelling to places where polio is still prevalent must get vaccinated.

• People who have not been vaccinated against polio or have not completed their immunization schedule must take the vaccine.

• Laboratory workers handling specimens that can contain poliovirus must get vaccinated.

• Employees in medical facilities and day-care centres who may have close contact with those infected with the poliovirus must take the vaccine to stay safe.

Who should not get the polio vaccine?

• New-borns:

Polio vaccine should not be administered to infants who have not completed 6 weeks of age. New-borns receive antibodies from their mothers and these antibodies can affectthe efficacy of the vaccine. Therefore, even if infants are immunized within 6 weeks from birth, they must receive all doses of the polio vaccine starting from the time they are 2 months old.

• Someone suffering from life-threatening allergies:

If a child or adult experiences a life-threatening allergic reaction after taking a dose of the vaccine, they must not take the remaining doses.

• Someone who is not feeling well:

If someone is feeling moderately or severely sick, they must not take the vaccine until they recover. However, those with a mild illness can take the vaccine after consulting a doctor.

What are the types of polio vaccine?

There are two types of polio vaccine:

1. Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV):

This type of vaccine is more common in the United States. It uses an inactive or dead form of the poliovirus to build immunity against the condition. The vaccine is given as a shot in the arm or leg and a total of 4 doses are administered to children. It is also a suitable option for high-risk adults.

2. Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV):

OPV is used in India and many other countries around the world. This vaccine is administered through drops in the mouth in 4 or more spaced doses. OPV contains a mixture of three live weakened poliovirus strains (strain types P1, P2 and P3) and is suitable for infants and unimmunized children up to 18 years of age.

How well does the polio vaccine work?

Both IPV and OPV are highly effective against all 3 types of polioviruses. They help prevent polio-related paralytic disease and other symptoms of the condition.

IPV and OPV work by producing antibodies in the blood against all 3 types of polioviruses. Hence, even if a vaccinated child or adult gets infected with poliovirus, they will not suffer from paralytic poliomyelitis. However, according to experts, OPV offers more mucosal immunity in the intestines when compared to IPV. OPV produces a local immune response in the intestinal lining – the main place where the virus multiplies. This helps prevent the multiplication of the virus in the lining of the intestines and keeps vaccinated children and adults safe from the condition.Polio vaccines offer about 99-100% protection to completely vaccinated individuals.

What are the possible side effects of the polio vaccine?

The common side effects of the polio vaccine are soreness, itching and redness at the site of injection, fever, fatigue, body pain, pinkeye, loss of appetite and irritability. Some people may also experience a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine. However, such cases are very rare.

Conclusion

Polio is a serious and contagious condition that can lead to permanent disability. Hence, it is important that little ones as well as high-risk adults get vaccinated multiple times for complete protection. On this National Immunization Day 2022, make sure you get your child immunized against polio for protection against the deadly poliovirus. Also, take a look at the health insurance plans offered by reputed insurance companies and cover yourself and your loved ones against unexpected events. Health insurance helps you avail the finest treatment during medical emergencies without worrying about the bills.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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