Sinusitis

Consequences of over-vaccination against polio. Polio vaccination: how dangerous is it, what might the body’s reaction be like in children? Why is vaccination necessary?

Poliomyelitis is a dangerous infection that usually affects children under the age of five. The virus spreads extremely quickly and can be deadly; the only truly reliable method of prevention is vaccination in children. It is worth considering what the polio vaccine is, the child's reaction, and how often it occurs.

Why is polio dangerous?

Poliomyelitis is considered one of the most dangerous infections, since the disease provoked by it is incurable, the body must cope with the defeat itself. In most cases, the disease occurs in a latent form or causes symptoms similar to a common cold. However, in some cases, the virus penetrates the central nervous system, causing paralysis, usually of the muscles of the neck, back, and torso as a whole.

The paralysis caused by this disease can be extremely dangerous to life and health. It is impossible to stop it, you need to wait until the end of the period of illness, and there is a possibility that damage to the diaphragm will occur, which leads to respiratory arrest and death. Even if paralysis does not affect vital organs, it can lead to serious consequences in the future. According to statistics, up to a quarter of all children who have suffered a paralytic form remain disabled for life.

The main danger of this virus is that its spread is extremely difficult to stop; there are no additional effective preventive measures. The only method that truly helps stop the spread of the virus and prevent infection is a vaccine. At the same time, there are many prejudices and misconceptions that make parents afraid to send their child for vaccination.

Photos of polio in children

Vaccination - what is the child’s reaction?

It is worth knowing what the vaccine is, what the body’s reaction may be to the administration of the vaccine, whether there are contraindications for this vaccination, and what to do if side effects occur.

Important! Vaccination can be carried out only after examination by a doctor.

Usually two types of vaccines are used, in simple terms - “live” and “dead”. The second type is used in young children, the first in older children:

Inactivated vaccine. This variety is administered intramuscularly and contains a killed virus.
Oral vaccine. This variety contains a live virus with weakened activity. Used in older children.

Vaccination against polio with a dead vaccine is given to young children, since it is safer for the fragile immunity of children. A child undergoes several revaccinations throughout his life, the last one being done at 14 years of age. If you do not skip revaccinations and use the appropriate drug, the likelihood of developing complications after vaccination is extremely low.

Is it possible to refuse vaccination?

You can refuse any medical intervention, but you should not do this in the absence of compelling reasons. Vaccination against polio is extremely important for the health of each individual child and this age group as a whole.

It is tolerated quite easily in most cases, but it should not be carried out if there are the following contraindications. It is worth noting that they are different for different types of vaccines. Oral vaccination should not be carried out in the following cases:

neurological disorders that appeared after a previous vaccination;
state of immunodeficiency, presence of malignant neoplasms in the body;
exacerbation of severe chronic diseases of any nature.

Injection vaccination has fewer contraindications; it is often carried out in the presence of contraindications to oral vaccination and in young children under six months of age.

allergy to vaccine components, especially if it was observed during a previous polio vaccination;
exacerbations of chronic diseases, diseases accompanied by increased body temperature.

In other cases, vaccination is worthwhile. You should not refuse it, since the consequences of infection with polio can be much more severe than the possible side effects from the vaccine.

Is it possible to get a polio vaccine with snot? Experts advise postponing vaccination during a cold; according to the rules, it can be done two weeks after the end of the illness. You should not get vaccinated against a background of diseases that are accompanied by a decrease in immunity, even a slight one.

Important! Children with weakened immune systems should not come into contact with children vaccinated with an oral vaccine, as the virus may be active enough to infect an immunocompromised child.

Adverse reactions

The polio vaccine can cause side effects, but they are actually quite rare. This vaccination is considered one of the most easily tolerated by children. If the vaccination is done in the absence of contraindications, no complications should arise from it.

However, depending on the individual characteristics of the body, allergies may occur, which can manifest themselves in different ways. During injection vaccination, a thickening may occur at the injection site, which normally goes away on its own after some time.

A reaction at three months in an infant occurs quite rarely. However, if various disorders of the nervous system appear, the child becomes drowsy and refuses to eat, it is worth contacting a specialist.

There is also usually no reaction at fourteen years of age, but signs of neurological disorders need to be monitored. If they are difficult to tolerate and do not disappear immediately, you should consult a doctor.

After 10 days, the child should have no reaction at all. If you feel unwell or have symptoms of a virus, you need to show your child to a doctor as soon as possible. There is a possibility of developing polio, but it is worth considering that this usually occurs if the vaccination was carried out against the background of contraindications, with other violations.

Parent Questions

We have collected the most concerning questions from parents regarding polio vaccination for children.

Is it possible to bathe after vaccination?

After vaccination there are no restrictions, the child can be bathed, the injection site can be wetted. However, it is worth noting that you should not rub the injection site, especially if there is swelling.

Is it possible to go for a walk after vaccination?

After vaccination, you can immediately go for a walk if there are no side effects. If your child is not feeling well for various reasons, it is better to stay home and get some rest.

Is it possible to eat?

With an injectable vaccine, you can eat or drink immediately after vaccination. With drops in the mouth, it is advisable to eat or drink only a few hours after vaccination.

Is it possible to attend kindergarten?

Is it possible to get infected from a vaccinated child? When carrying out vaccination in any form, it is extremely difficult to become infected from a person, however, it is worth noting that such a risk is present in the presence of disorders of the immune system. If there are no children with this feature in the environment, the child can be immediately sent to kindergarten or school, or other places.

Poliomyelitis is a dangerous infection of viral origin, manifested by damage to the tissue of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. The disease is most often registered in children under five years of age.

The causative agent is a representative of the Poliovirus hominis group, which has 3 varieties (type I, II and III). Entering the body through the digestive tract, the polio virus infects cells of the nervous system. As a result, paralysis develops, which in especially severe cases leads to disability or death.

According to statistics, most infections are asymptomatic, and from 1 to 5% of children suffer from severe forms. However, only a third of them recover without consequences, the rest remain with motor impairments of varying degrees of severity (up to paralysis) for the rest of their lives, and every tenth dies. Poliomyelitis is incurable (therapy is symptomatic), and the virus is widespread. The only protection against it is timely routine vaccination.

In medicine, this term refers to the introduction into the body of a special drug containing the pathogen in a killed or weakened form. The response of the immune system is the production of antibodies - specific glycoproteins that prevent the virus from multiplying and the development of the disease. As a result, stable protection (immunity) is formed from infection in the event of a live pathogen entering the body, as evidenced by the analysis of antibodies to polio in a vaccinated person.

To reliably protect your child, you need to start getting vaccinated from a very early age. Up to three months, the baby is protected by passive immunity received from the mother, and then vaccination is necessary. For it to be effective, it is necessary to comply with the timing of polio vaccination and revaccination, otherwise the intensity of the immune system will weaken.

Thanks to mass compulsory vaccination of children, it was possible to get rid of the threat of epidemics almost 100% and reduce the incidence to isolated cases in developed countries. The fact that the disease sometimes occurs is associated with refusal to immunize. In countries with low standards of living and medical care, poliovirus still poses a serious threat.

Which polio vaccine is best?

This question worries parents who are about to vaccinate their baby, and is due to the fact that there are two types of the drug. Both of them were developed and obtained in the middle of the last century by American scientists, and are successfully used to prevent polio to this day:

OPV is a trivalent vaccine in the form of drops for oral administration. In it, the poliovirus is attenuated, that is, it is alive, but neutralized, and cannot infect humans.
IPV is a drug containing killed polio viruses of three types. It is administered by injection intramuscularly.

To figure out which polio vaccine is better and safer, you should study each one in detail separately.

Oral polio vaccine

The search for a reliable prophylactic agent was carried out in the 50s of the last century by many scientists. An effective drug was created by the American virologist Albert Sabin in 1962. It was his version that was licensed in 1962 as the safest and most effective and is now the only one.

Parallel work was carried out in the Soviet Union, where the Sabin vaccine began to be used in medical practice even earlier, which made it possible to reduce the incidence several times by 1962. Today in Russia, vaccination is carried out with a drug produced by the Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis.

Composition and method of application

The polio vaccine contains three attenuated poliovirus serotypes grown in kidney tissue from African monkeys. One dose is enough to form immunity in half of those vaccinated, and three-time vaccination increases this figure to 95% or higher.

OPV is supplied to medical institutions in 5 ml glass vials, each of which is designed for 25 single doses. To get vaccinated, you need to drop 4 drops (0.2 ml) into the child’s mouth with a pipette or syringe. An hour before and after this, he should not be fed or given anything to drink, so as not to deactivate the drug.

Contraindications, side effects

The live polio vaccine cannot be given in the following cases:

the appearance of neurological disorders as a result of previous vaccination;
acute or aggravated chronic diseases at the time of the procedure (in this case it is postponed);
immunodeficiency states, immunosuppression, malignant neoplasms.

A side effect in the form of a rash can very rarely occur only if there is a tendency to allergic reactions. In other cases, the polio vaccine is easily tolerated.

Special instructions

It should be borne in mind that the vaccinated OPV carries the poliovirus for 60 days and secretes it, and therefore persons without immunity can be infected. Therefore, it is necessary to temporarily isolate the child from them (and also provide him with separate personal and hygiene items) to prevent the occurrence of vaccine-associated polio. If there are unvaccinated children in the family, routine vaccination should be carried out with an inactivated foreign drug.

Inactivated vaccine

US virologist Jonas Salk presented his development, which began to be used throughout the world, in 1955. The dead vaccine contains three serotypes of formaldehyde-inactivated poliovirus. Two doses of the drug provide lasting immune protection against polio in 90% of those vaccinated, and its three-time use increases this figure to almost 100%.

To date, only two manufacturers offer IPV:

The French pharmaceutical company SANOFI PASTEUR ®, S.A. An inactivated polio vaccine called Imovax Polio ® is available. A single dose of the drug of 0.5 ml is packaged in a special dose syringe equipped with a needle. The injection is performed in the thigh, in the middle part of the quadriceps muscle for a child, and in the shoulder for adults.

The Belgian concern GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals ® produces the vaccine under the brand name Poliorix ® in 0.5 ml glass vials. The drug is administered similarly to Imovax ® , but subcutaneous injection is also possible.

The inactivated polio vaccine can cause local (induration at the injection site, redness, itching, pain) and general adverse reactions. The latter include drowsiness, lethargy, moderate fever and muscle pain that occurs in the first days after vaccination. Since the components can cause allergies, IPV is contraindicated in case of intolerance to neomycin ®, streptomycin ®, polymyxin B ®.

Vaccination is also contraindicated for children under three months of age.

Conclusion

The optimal option in modern conditions is to use the vaccination scheme of the National Calendar, where the first two vaccinations are carried out with an inactivated vaccine, and the rest with a live vaccine. This method allows you to combine the advantages of both means of prevention and prevent possible complications.

From the point of view of ease of use, OPV is better because it is taken orally in the form of four drops. In addition, this method provides additional protection, since the vaccine replicates in the digestive tract. It is there that the poliovirus is localized, and when the incubation period ends, polio spreads throughout the body. An undoubted advantage is the low cost of production, which makes it possible to vaccinate the population free of charge on a planetary scale.

Inactivated vaccines for injection are completely safe for the child himself and unvaccinated persons in contact with him from the point of view of the disease of vaccine-associated poliomyelitis. On the other hand, they are quite expensive, and the likelihood of side effects is higher.

Polio vaccination schedule

The national vaccination calendar of the Russian Federation involves three vaccinations and the same number of revaccinations at certain intervals. Starting from the age of three months, the child receives six vaccinations according to the following scheme:

The first two vaccinations since 2011 are carried out exclusively with an inactivated drug produced in France or Belgium at the expense of the state. In the future, free OPV vaccination is provided. If desired, parents can replace it with injections of a non-live vaccine for a fee.

Previously, only the domestic drug was used, but for immunization of children in the first six months of life it was replaced by IVP. Such measures were taken for safety reasons in order to completely exclude the possibility of vaccinations developing such complications as vaccine-associated polio. Subsequent use of the oral vaccine is completely harmless.

Consequences of the polio vaccine

The most important consequence is the formation of strong immunity against a dangerous viral disease and protection against it for life.

As a result of mass vaccination throughout the world, polio has been almost completely eradicated. Only a few backward countries pose an epidemiological danger. If by the 80s of the last century the world number of registered cases of paralysis was 350,000 annually, today there are no more than 400.

However, negative consequences are also possible in the form of complications after polio vaccination in children. This refers primarily to VAPP - vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis - due to infection of the body by viruses contained in the live vaccine. This reaction can occur in a child with immunodeficiency conditions. That is why, according to the vaccination calendar of the Russian Federation, the first two vaccinations are performed only with IPV, and replacing it with drops is prohibited. This regimen completely eliminates the risk of VAP.

Parents are also concerned about a possible negative reaction to the polio vaccine in their child. The side effects listed in the instructions for the inactivated vaccine may indeed occur, but they do not pose a danger to health or life. OPV is also harmless if you take into account contraindications and give drops to completely healthy children.

Polio drops are taken as a vaccine to prevent infection. Poliomyelitis is an acute viral disease. It can cause serious harm to the nervous system. Because of this, inflammatory processes may occur in the intestines and nasopharynx. This disease has always been considered a childhood disease; it affects children under the age of 10 years. The source of infection is a sick person. The peak of the disease occurs between August and October.

Indications for use of polio drops

Vaccinations begin for children from the age of two months. This will avoid infection in the future. This is done by instilling 2-4 drops of the drug onto the lymphoid tissue of the baby’s pharynx. In older children, instillation is done on the surface of the tonsils. The first time vaccination is done at the age of 3-6 months. After which revaccination is required at 18-20 months and 14 years.

The main indication for taking the drug is to prevent infection with polio. After the vaccination has been carried out, you should refuse to eat for an hour, and you should also not drink. The fact is that, together with food and liquid, the medicine will be washed into the stomach and will not have time to form a protective barrier.

After vaccination has been carried out, introducing complementary foods and new foods into the baby’s diet is highly discouraged. Because it is possible to develop allergic reactions due to unknown food entering the body. Most often this condition is equated with the unsuitability of the medication, this is not so.

Pharmacodynamics

The vaccine against the disease is a stabilized drug. It contains live attenuated polio viruses of Sabin strains type 1, 2 and 3. They enter the human body in multiplied form. Each product intended for vaccination meets all the requirements of the World Health Organization.

After using the product, immunity begins to form in almost 98%. The level of seroconservation after administration of 3 doses of the vaccine can reach 100% concentration. This indicator is observed for three types of poliovirus. An increased level of maternal antibodies can affect the immune response of the drug. Diarrhea during vaccination, as well as family exposure to various vaccines, can lead to negative consequences. Breastfeeding has a particular impact and may result in vaccine failure.

Poliomyelitis droplets contain the viruses of this disease, in a weakened form. Type 1 – at least 1 thousand, type 2 – 100 thousand and type 3 – 300 thousand. This amount will allow the body to develop immunity against the disease.

Pharmacokinetics

The cure for polio must include weakened components of the virus. This will help develop immunity in the body against the disease. The drug contains diphtheria toxoid in the amount of 30 IU, tetanus toxoid – 40 IU and pertussis toxoid 25 mcg.

In addition, the drug contains filamentous hemagglutinin 25 mcg, inactivated polio virus, type 1 40 IU D antigen, inactivated polio virus, type 2 8 IU D antigen, inactivated polio virus, type 3 32 IU D antigen. The auxiliary components are substances such as aluminum hydroxide - 0.3 mg, phenoxyethanol - 2.5 µl, acetic acid or sodium hydroxide - up to pH 6.8-7.3, water for injection - up to 0.5 ml. All together helps strengthen the body. Thus, it is able to resist many viruses and infections. The auxiliary components can be sucrose - 42.5 mg and trometamol - 0.6 mg.

Using polio drops during pregnancy

During pregnancy, vaccination is highly not recommended. It can be justified only if there is a risk of contracting an infection that poses a threat to both the life of the mother and the child.

As you know, in the first trimester of pregnancy you should stop using any medications. After all, there is always a risk of causing irreparable harm to the baby. The child’s nervous system begins to form from the first weeks; any impact on it can lead to the development of pathological processes. High doses of illicit drugs can cause premature birth.

Vaccination against polio is carried out if there is a risk of infection of the baby. But at the same time, the vaccine itself can cause harm to the developing organism. An experienced specialist can make decisions about vaccination, depending on the possible dangers.

Contraindications for use

There are a number of contraindications for vaccination. Thus, it cannot be performed on children with congenital immunodeficiency or HIV (even if one of the family members is infected). If there is a pregnant woman around the baby. This can have a negative impact on the expectant mother.

If a woman is planning a pregnancy or is already pregnant, there is no need to vaccinate. This is done if there is a risk of infection of the mother and child. There is no need to get vaccinated if you are breastfeeding. If before this there was an unusual reaction to other medications, then vaccination is carried out with extreme caution.

Contraindications include allergies to neomycin, polymyxin B and streptomycin. These are the components that make up the vaccine. It should not be used in the presence of acute infectious diseases, even after complete recovery.

Neurological disorders, as well as immunodeficiency, malignancy and immunosuppression can prevent vaccination. Routine vaccination should be postponed if there is a severe course of ARVI or acute intestinal diseases. Vaccinations can be done after the temperature has normalized.

Side effects of polio drops

There is practically no reaction to the vaccine. In some cases, allergic reactions occur. This is due to individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Therefore, before using it, you should familiarize yourself with the composition and identify the body’s reaction to its components. Urticaria or Quincke's edema is extremely rare.

Cases of vaccine-associated diseases have been recorded. This condition occurs once in three million. This condition requires a differential diagnosis with polio-like diseases. In order to limit the circulation of the virus among people around a vaccinated child, certain rules must be followed. The baby must have a separate crib, potty, bed linen, clothes, dishes, etc. This will prevent parents from being influenced by the vaccine. Because it can only be carried out for children.

Reaction from polio drops

Many parents are interested in the question of whether complications are possible after vaccination and how they manifest themselves. Usually, the vaccine does not cause any reactions. But still, one case in 2.5-3 million is recorded. In order to exclude any reactions, it is worth vaccinating only children in excellent health.

Preference should be given to the injection itself rather than drops. The first option is much safer and does not cause side effects as often. The doctor and the baby’s parents decide which type of vaccine to choose. In any case, it is important to prepare the child for this procedure.

Occasionally, after the vaccine is administered, the baby experiences diarrhea or an allergic reaction. They do not pose any danger and do not require special treatment. The baby will go away on its own after a few days. If your child's condition is very disturbing, you can take him to see a therapist.

Diarrhea after polio drops

The baby's gastrointestinal tract is very weak. Therefore, any influence on it can lead to negative consequences. Indigestion is the most common symptom after receiving the polio vaccine. The occurrence of diarrhea is associated with the content of live bacteria in the vaccine. They are the ones that affect the intestinal mucosa. If diarrhea lasts more than a day, you should inform your physician.

The vaccine in droplet form consists of weakened viruses. Intestinal upset can occur with oral vaccination with live viruses. The fact is that they are able to actively reproduce in the digestive system. The sensitive intestine readily perceives this influence on it and responds with disorder. Moderate diarrhea after vaccination does not pose any danger. If there is any doubt, it is better to visit a doctor, especially if the baby has a severe disorder.

Temperature after polio drops

After vaccination, the temperature may increase slightly or remain unchanged. As doctors say, there is no need to worry about this. Even if the temperature has risen to 38-38.5 degrees. This is a normal reaction of the body to the introduction of a weakened virus into it. If the temperature increases with additional reactions, including diarrhea and allergic reactions, you should go to the hospital.

Hyperthermia develops within several hours after the vaccine is administered. Sometimes this period extends for 2-3 days. Therefore, it is worth monitoring the baby’s condition for several days. The temperature can also last for 2-3 days. In some cases even two weeks. It all depends on the baby’s immunity. If the increase is not accompanied by other reactions, there is no reason to worry. No additional treatment is provided, but antipyretics are allowed.

Directions for use and doses

The vaccine is used about 4 times. The age of vaccination is noted in a special calendar of preventive vaccinations; it can be obtained from the supervising therapist. Usually, the nurse or the doctor himself is responsible for notifying about the day of vaccination. This is done in advance so that parents have time to prepare.

Use 4 drops of the product at one time. Everything is carried out in accordance with the packaging of the drug. The vaccination dose should be dropped into the mouth using the dropper or pipette included with the bottle. The action is carried out one hour before meals. Under no circumstances should you take the drops or drink the liquid within an hour after use. The vaccine will simply end up in the stomach and will not perform its protective functions.

According to this principle, the product is used 4 times, but only on the appointed days. During the period of use, you should monitor the baby’s condition and record possible changes. The vaccine is usually well tolerated.

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Overdose

With the correct dosage, no adverse reactions can occur. The fixed dose is 4 drops. In some cases, 5 is used. This is not fraught with anything for the child. However, it is necessary to monitor his condition. Some children have a hard time with vaccination, so even a slight increase in the dose can cause an overdose.

If a large amount of the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract, poisoning may occur. It is advisable to give the baby a gastric lavage and consult a doctor. Nausea and vomiting may occur if a significant amount of the drug enters the stomach. This doesn't happen very often.

In case of overdose, fever and severe diarrhea may occur. If these symptoms persist for more than a day, and the diarrhea is severe, consultation with a specialist is necessary. In some cases, the temperature lasts for 2 weeks. The disorder occurs due to the sensitivity of the baby's digestive organs.

Interactions with other drugs

Vaccination against polio can be carried out on the same day together with vaccination with DTP vaccine (ADS or ADS-M toxoid). It is possible to use the product with other drugs if the vaccination schedule was drawn up by a doctor.

In accordance with the recommendations, the product is used simultaneously with vaccines against hepatitis B, whooping cough, tetanus, and rubella. But only if they are included in the immunization scheme. Concomitant use with rotavirus vaccine is not able to affect the immune response to poliovirus antigens. Although the live vaccine can significantly reduce the immune response, anti-rotavirus IgA levels have been shown to reach target levels after the first dose. Moreover, this happens after the second dose of the vaccine is administered. At the same time, clinical protection is maintained. If the drug is prescribed along with other vaccines based on live bacteria, then at least a month should pass between administrations. No other incompatibilities have been reported.

Storage conditions

The vaccine must be stored at -20 degrees. This will maintain its effectiveness for 2 years. At temperatures from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, the shelf life does not exceed one year. If the vaccine is located in twenty-degree cold conditions, then it is not worth placing it in other temperature conditions. If there is such a need, the shelf life is reduced to 6 months.

To maintain optimal effectiveness of the drug, it is worth keeping it in the refrigerator. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided. If the drug is not expected to be used in the near future, it is better to place it in the cold. If possible, maintain a temperature of 20 degrees below zero. If the vaccine was accidentally exposed to a different temperature. If you suspect an increase in the limits, it is worth checking the effectiveness of the vaccine. It is likely that it is no longer usable.

Once the bottle is opened, it must be used within 8 hours. During this time, the vaccine is stored at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. If it is not intended to be taken within 8 hours of opening, the vaccine must be frozen immediately. It has been proven that repeated freezing and thawing does not affect the quality of the product. The drug should be stored out of the reach of children.

Best before date

The duration of storage depends entirely on the conditions. So, at a temperature of more than 20 degrees below zero, the period is 2 years. If the drug is stored at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, the shelf life is reduced to a year. If defrosting and re-freezing is necessary, the shelf life does not exceed six months. The temperature must be monitored.

In addition to temperature, conditions and the appearance of the bottle also play an important role. It should not be damaged or punctured. You should pay attention to the appearance of the vaccine itself. The color and smell should remain unchanged. A similar requirement is put forward for consistency. All three parameters must be unchanged.

To prevent trouble, you should hide the product away from children. They can harm themselves and damage the vaccine vial. The drug is afraid of direct sunlight, so the best place to store it is in the refrigerator. Under such conditions, the vaccine will last for more than one year.

Important to know!

Poliomyelitis [from the Greek polio (gray), myelos (brain)] is an acute viral anthroponotic infectious disease with a fecal-oral transmission mechanism, which is characterized by predominant damage to motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain with the development of paralysis.

In Russia, the vaccination calendar includes vaccination against polio. It is performed on very young children, namely from the age of 3 months. Young mothers ask questions about the need for such a procedure for their babies, its effectiveness, possible reactions and complications. Let's try to answer all the questions asked.

What is polio

First you need to understand what polio is. This is a viral infectious disease that is transmitted through airborne droplets and household contact. Affects the human nervous system. There are 1, 2, 3 types of polio virus. You can become infected from an infected person, and the carrier may not even be aware of the disease due to the absence of any symptoms or their insignificant manifestation: frequent bowel movements, nausea, temporary fever, weakness. Symptoms may appear 3-5 days after infection, and a person recovers within 24-72 hours. But in 1% of cases, damage to the membranes of the brain occurs, which leads to paralysis.

What is the danger of polio?

In some cases, the disease proceeds unnoticed, in others paralysis and atrophy of various muscle groups develop - the person remains deeply disabled for life. If the muscles involved in the respiratory processes are paralyzed, death from suffocation is possible. Moreover, there is no cure for the disease. Therefore, the only effective method of prevention is polio vaccinations. Although they do not protect the vaccinated person 100%. There are cases of infection with a wild strain of the virus. Therefore, the effectiveness of vaccination is determined to be 90-95%.

Spread of the virus

Until the 1950s, there was no treatment or vaccine against polio. Epidemics of the disease killed people in large numbers in America and Europe. Only in 1949 was an American scientist invented a live vaccine, and in 1953 - an inactivated one. Both drugs protect against 3 types of polio. In 1979, the virus was eradicated from the western part of the world thanks to universal vaccination. But till today, polio is common in countries like India, Pakistan and Africa. Vaccination at 3 months is not done without reason: the child’s body is easily susceptible to infection. In Asian countries, this vaccination is done right in the maternity hospital. In addition, a wild strain of the virus is widespread in these latitudes, and it is constantly mutating, which poses a worldwide threat of new epidemics. This is why universal vaccination continues in countries where the disease has been statistically eradicated.

Polio vaccines

In the Russian Federation, the following vaccinations against polio are carried out: with the Russian-made live vaccine OPV and the French drug for injection of the inactivated virus “Imovax Polio”. The multi-component vaccine “Pentaxim”, “Infanrix IPV”, “Infanrix Hexa”, “Tetracok” is also used. In addition, most often the OPV vaccine is combined with the domestic DPT vaccine.

Polio vaccination calendar

According to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, polio vaccinations are given to children aged 3, 4 and a half, 6 months. The first revaccination is carried out at 18 months, the second at 20, and the last at 14 years. In the first year of life, vaccinations are given with an inactivated vaccine, and in the second year - with a live one. This scheme helps to most reliably protect the human body from polio infection.

What is a live vaccine

As stated above, there is a live and inactivated polio vaccine. A live, or OPV, vaccine is a small dose of a live virus, which, when it reaches the intestinal wall, forms the child’s immunity to the disease and produces antibodies to the virus, without causing a full-fledged infection of the human body. It has also been noted that OPV stimulates the production of natural interferon, which helps protect against cold viral infections. The polio vaccine has this special feature: the effects of vaccination can spread to other people, since the vaccinated person is contagious.

The vaccine is a pink liquid with a bitter taste. The doctor instills a few drops (2-4, depending on the concentration of the drug) onto the root of the tongue or tonsil. After vaccination against polio, you should not give the baby anything to drink or feed for an hour.

Adverse reactions to OPV

Usually, a reaction to the polio vaccine does not occur - healthy babies tolerate the vaccination without any complications. In rare cases, an allergic rash and Quincke's edema, loose and frequent stools may appear. But the most dangerous complication is vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP). In other words, after vaccination, the human body not only forms immunity, but becomes fully infected with a virus that leads to paralysis. Although very rare, such cases have been recorded in medicine. Reactions may occur from the 5th to the 14th day after taking the drops.

Contraindications and precautions when taking OPV

The live polio vaccine is not always effective for a number of reasons:

the drug requires a certain temperature regime during storage and transportation, which is often violated and leads to ineffective vaccination;
not the entire dose is absorbed: children burp, spit out drops, part is excreted in the stool, and is digested in the stomach;
the spread of the virus into the environment from a vaccinated child leads to mutations of the infection and its further spread.

Contraindications to vaccination:

HIV infection;
immunodeficiencies;
the presence of people with weakened immune systems in the child’s immediate environment, including pregnant women;
with neurological reactions to previous polio vaccinations;
Vaccinations for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are carried out with extreme caution and under the supervision of a doctor;
ARVI, fever, and other minor weakening of the child’s immunity require complete recovery before taking OPV drops.

Inactivated polio vaccine

Inactivated vaccine (IPV) is much safer because it does not contain live virus cells, which means that the development of VAPP is impossible. In Russia they use the French drug Imovax Polio. This vaccination is carried out even for weakened children with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the course of vaccination with an inactivated drug consists of 4 injections: at 3 months, 4 and a half, 6 and at 18, revaccination. A vaccinated child is not contagious to others. But they still recommend limiting your stay in crowded places for a week after vaccination, since the body weakened by the virus can become infected with any other infection. The injection is given in the shoulder or thigh. Redness of the injection site up to 8 cm in diameter is considered within normal limits. The temperature after polio vaccination can reach 39 degrees or even higher. There are also complications in the form of severe redness, swelling, allergic rash, capriciousness of the child, unreasonable loud prolonged crying, loss of appetite.

Combination vaccines

Single vaccines are used less and less often, usually in cases where it is impossible to vaccinate against diseases provided for in combination vaccine complexes. It is much safer for a child to be vaccinated with vaccines that include protection against several diseases. Polio is included in such inactivated vaccines as Infanrix IPV, Infanrix Hexa, Pentaxim and Tetracok. DTP and polio vaccinations are carried out as follows: an injection is made with the Russian DTP vaccine and OPV drops are immediately given to the baby. All of the above complexes include protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. Infanrix Hexa, in addition to the above diseases, protects against hepatitis B. Only a doctor can choose a complex vaccine suitable for your baby, based on the child’s health status and medical history. Complex vaccines are not provided by the state; drugs can be purchased upon request at pharmacies or medical institutions.

The following complications have been recorded that have arisen after vaccination with inactivated complex drugs “Infanrix IPV”, “Infanrix Hexa”, “Tetracok”, “Pentaxim”:

compaction and pain at the injection site;
stomatitis and toothache;
upper respiratory tract diseases;
otitis;
sleep disturbance;
fever;
nausea;
diarrhea;
vomit;
weakness;
unusual crying or screaming;
anxiety.

Most often, complications arise and the load on the child’s immune system increases if DPT and polio vaccinations are performed. The reaction can occur both from diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus drug and from drops.

Poliomyelitis is a disease for which no cure has been developed. Infection occurs through contact with the carrier, traces of his vital activity. The virus affects the spinal cord and brain, causing the development of paralysis and paresis. The sick person is not treated. The quality of his life after his illness is largely determined by the effectiveness of subsequent rehabilitation. The only recognized and effective protection is the polio vaccine.

Preparatory stage

In order to prevent complications or minimize them, vaccination against polio is done with certain precautions.

Initially, the patient’s condition should be assessed: he must be completely healthy. It is first recommended to do and study general blood and urine tests.

Antihistamines can help prevent allergic reactions to vaccinations. They should be started several days before immunization.

If the patient suffers from allergies, then regarding which vaccine will be used - live (OPV) or inactivated (IPV) - you need to consult with an immunologist, who may prescribe an additional examination. Those who are allergic to antibiotics will definitely be denied IPV vaccination:

polymyxin B;
streptomycin;
neomycin.

Pregnant girls are given the polio vaccine only when the risk of infection has been established, i.e. The virus threatens both the life of the mother and the life of the unborn child.

The polio vaccine is contraindicated if:

there is an exacerbation of chronic diseases;
immunosuppression;
an immunodeficiency state has been established;
there are neurological disorders;
malignant neoplasms were detected.

To avoid complications after vaccination, for such indications the procedure should be abandoned for a while.

Important: If previous experience with polio vaccination was accompanied by a powerful immune response (with high fever, convulsions, etc.), the issue of repeated administration of such drugs should be discussed with an immunologist.

Consequences of anti-polio immunization

Normally, there are no complications after receiving the polio vaccine. But a reaction to immunization is possible.

Live (oral, drops) polio vaccine (OPV) may cause a slight increase in body temperature (up to 37.5ºC) for 14 days after vaccination.

After inactivated vaccination (IPV), which is given by injection, 5-7% of patients may experience swelling at the injection site (up to 8 cm in diameter), 1-4% of children experience a slightly elevated temperature in the first two days, and children may become restless .

Serious, although rare, complications such as seizures and encephalopathy are possible after vaccination. The latter concept means that the vaccine led to pathological damage to the brain caused by the death of nerve cells due to oxygen deficiency. Symptoms of encephalopathy are varied and are determined by its form and stage. Initially, lethargy and disturbances in sleep, hearing, and vision are observed; the muscles are in good shape. Afterwards, serious headaches, nausea, dizziness, disturbances of consciousness, even mental disorders, and paresis will come. Treatment of encephalopathy is long-term and complex.

Parents also note such reactions (complications) after vaccination as diarrhea and nausea, lethargy and drowsiness.

The probability of contracting polio as a result of vaccination is extremely low - 1: 2,500,000.

You should immediately consult a doctor if you experience the following during the post-injection period: