5 Things to Know About Polio
Along with the COVID-19 pandemic and the current monkeypox outbreak, you may have started hearing about a recent threat of polio. Here are five important facts to know about polio, so you can keep yourself — and others — safe.
1. Polio is a disease we have the tools to fight.
Polio has been nearly eradicated in the United States and most of the world, thanks to widespread vaccination, but the evidence that the virus is spreading is causing concern. We know that prevention is the best medicine, and the polio vaccine can prevent polio. Polio (or poliomyelitis) is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect a person’s spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Because polio has no cure, vaccination is the best protection and the only way to stop the disease from spreading.
2. Most adults have been vaccinated.
Most adults do not need a polio vaccination because they were already vaccinated as children. The vaccine has been available in the U.S. since 1955. Adults born before then are also likely to be protected from having been exposed to poliovirus before the vaccine was available. If you have access to your childhood immunization records, look for inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV) (used in other countries) on the form. Check to see that the immunization was given four times in total. Adults who were not vaccinated or did not receive all four doses can be vaccinated as adults. Doctors can conduct antibody testing to check current immunity if you have concerns. Adults can also receive one lifetime booster if antibody testing shows low immunity.
3. Children are most at risk.
Polio mainly affects children under 5 years old. Children should usually get their four doses of polio vaccine at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months and 4–6 years. Nationally, more than 90 percent of children are vaccinated against polio, but the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed routine vaccination for many children. Only 60 percent of 2-year-olds are up to date with their polio vaccinations.
4. Vaccines are safe.
No serious adverse events have been documented for IPV. The IPV is the only polio vaccine recommended for people with immunodeficiency. It is safe for people who are breastfeeding. People who are pregnant and who are at higher risk of polio exposure should discuss IPV vaccination with their doctor.
5. Some workers may be at higher risk of exposure.
The following workers may consider antibody testing and a booster, particularly if they are in areas where polio has been found in the wastewater. Local unions can bargain for employers to provide or cover the cost of testing and vaccinations for these workers:
· Healthcare workers or workers in congregate settings who care for potentially infected people or handle waste-contaminated materials, including environmental service workers;
· Lab workers who handle specimens;
· People who work internationally in areas where risk of exposure is higher;
· People who work with immigrants, refugees or internationally adopted children from countries where risk of exposure is higher or where the OPV vaccine is still offered.
· People who are immunocompromised and work with the public.
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