Children's Vaccines Health Center
Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Who Should Not Get the Polio Vaccine
You should not receive the polio vaccine if:
- You have had a severe allergic reaction from a previous dose of the vaccine
- You have had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotics streptomycin, polymyxin B, or neomycin
Although no side effects have been reported in pregnant women who have received the vaccine, pregnant women should avoid the vaccine if possible. Pregnant women who fall into one of three groups of adults at high risk should speak with their doctors about receiving an IPV according to the recommended schedule for adults.
People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they have recovered before receiving the vaccine.
Risks and Side Effects of Polio Vaccination
Some people who get the polio shot get a sore, red spot where the shot was given, but otherwise the vaccine is very safe. Most people don't have any problems with it at all.
However, the polio vaccine, like any medicine, could potentially cause serious problems, such as a severe allergic reaction. The risk that the vaccine could cause any serious harm is extremely small.
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