What is the poliomyelitis vaccine?
The poliomyelitis vaccine protects children and adults against the virus that causes polio.
Vaccines can provide protection against a single disease, or can be made to provide protection against more than one disease. Vaccines that provide protection against more than one disease are called combined vaccines.
Polio vaccine is available in both single and combined vaccine formats. The vaccine you receive depends on your age, your vaccine requirements and the specific vaccine products that are currently available.
Commonly used vaccines:
- Adacel-Polio® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.)
- Boostrix-Polio® (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Imovax Polio® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.)
- Pediacel® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.)
- Pentacel® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.)
Who should get the poliomyelitis vaccine?
In general, everyone should get this vaccine. It is given starting in infancy and again in early childhood. It is also given to people who have personal risk factors that place them at higher risk of developing polio infection.
To find out more about when you may need the polio vaccine, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care).
Who should not get the poliomyelitis vaccine?
- People who have had serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the vaccine itself should not receive the poliomyelitis vaccine.
Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health before giving you any vaccine. This will help them identify allergies you might have and safely manage potential allergic reactions.
What are the possible side effects of the poliomyelitis vaccine?
You could have mild side effects after being vaccinated, but they usually go away in one to two days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine, just like they might have a food or medication allergy.
Learn more about common vaccine side effects and what to do about them.
Is the poliomyelitis vaccine required to attend school, daycare or to work in certain settings?
Yes. In Ontario, this vaccine is required by all children to attend school and licensed daycare. Learn more about the vaccinations that are required.
You might also need to get this vaccine to work in certain workplaces such as in health care, child care and other settings.
Reporting vaccinations
Children attending school or daycare
- Parents and guardians must also report the vaccinations to Public Health to keep their records up-to-date.
- Exemptions: signed statements must be submitted for vaccination exemptions based on medical reasons or reasons of conscience or religious belief.
General Public
- Access and update your immunization records.
What else should you know about the poliomyelitis vaccine?
Cost
This vaccine is publicly funded for certain individuals and available at cost for others. Anyone who meets the publicly funded criteria may get the vaccine for free, no matter where they get it in Ontario (in a hospital, walk-in clinic, health care provider’s office or public health unit).
For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule.
Risks and benefits
Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated if you have special health conditions or concerns. Learn more about special considerations before being vaccinated.
Where can you get the poliomyelitis vaccine?
- Public Health offers this vaccine at one of our immunization clinics.
- You may also be able to get vaccinated at your doctor’s office, a walk-in clinic or community health centre. Appointments may be required.
For more information:
- Contact us.
- See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
- See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.