Poliomyelitis vaccine is used to prevent diseases caused by exposure to poliovirus.
Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can cause crippling. It is caused by poliovirus and spreads through contact with the stool (poop) of an infected person or also through secretions from coughing or sneezing.
Poliomyelitis vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle, usually in the thigh or upper arm) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh or upper arm).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The total number of injections you will receive will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your vaccination depending on your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Poliomyelitis vaccine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Poliomyelitis vaccine, streptomycin, polymyxin B, or neomycin.
Alert your doctor if you have acute severe febrile illness (a rapid onset of fever and symptoms such as headache, chills or muscle and joint pains) as Poliomyelitis vaccine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate or severe illness (with or without fever)
- bleeding disorders
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Poliomyelitis vaccine to infants below 6 weeks of age.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist if your child is born prematurely.
If you are going diagnostic tests (e.g. tuberculin test), inform your doctor that you have been vaccinated with Poliomyelitis vaccine.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any other vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Poliomyelitis vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: fever, rash, irritability, loss of appetite and redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, fainting, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and crying (in children).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of an allergic reaction e.g. swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- lymphadenopathy (a disease in which the lymph nodes are abnormal in size)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicine e.g. warfarin
- medicines used in certain immune disorders e.g. immunoglobulin, belimumab
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not allow to freeze. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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