Polio Information and Vaccination
Polio is a viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Flu-like symptoms (sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting)
- No symptoms at all
- Severe cases that may lead to paralysis or meningitis (infection of the spinal cord and/or brain)
For the past 30 years, no known cases of polio have originated in the United States, thanks to effective vaccine administration. However, in July 2022, a case of polio-related paralysis was reported in an unvaccinated adult (with no travel history), leading to the discovery that more cases were going undetected in New York State and possibly elsewhere. This highlights the importance of being up to date on your polio vaccination.
At this time, polio vaccination is not a required vaccine at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
If you’ve received routine childhood vaccines in the United States, the polio vaccine was likely part of that schedule. You can confirm whether you’ve received the polio vaccine by checking your immunization records:
- IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine) – This is the polio vaccine given in the U.S. It can be given alone or in combination with other vaccines. It requires 4 doses before age 18 or 3 doses after age 18.
- OPV (Oral Poliovirus Vaccine) – This vaccine is typically given outside the U.S. and requires 4 doses before age 18.
If you’ve never received the polio vaccine or are unsure about your vaccination history, Health Services is available to assist you. Please use the "Request an Appointment" button on the Health Services Portal and bring your full immunization record with you.
For more information about polio, visit: