Vaccination is important to prevent dangerous diseases in infants and children. In Indonesia, soneVaccines that must be given to infants and children are: polio vaccine.
The polio vaccine is given to prevent polio or poliomyelitis from attacking the nerves. The virus that causes polio infection lives in the throat and intestinal tract and can be spread through contact with fluids or feces. Polio can cause paralysis of organs, even death.
Delivery on Schedule
There are two types of polio vaccine, namely oral polio vaccine or vaccine oral polio vaccine (OPV), and inactivated polio vaccine or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). OPV contains live, attenuated polio virus so that the body has resistance to the invading polio virus. Meanwhile, IPV uses a virus that is no longer active.
OPV polio vaccine is given by mouth. Meanwhile, the type of IPV is given by injection in the arm or leg. To obtain optimal results, the polio vaccine will usually be given since the baby is born. After that, the vaccine will be given again at the age of 2 months, 3 months and 4 months. Then, one more dose, namely the polio vaccine booster will be given when the child is 18 years old. If the polio vaccine is given to infants or children too late, it can be continued until the complete dose. Remember, the polio vaccine does not need to be restarted from scratch.
If after the polio vaccine, your child has pain or fever, talk to your doctor about giving pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Especially for the IPV polio vaccine, giving this vaccine can cause painful red spots at the injection site.
Like drugs in general, the polio vaccine also has a very small risk of triggering allergies and other risks. It is recommended to postpone the polio vaccine when the child's condition is unfit or sick.
In the case of vaccinations that cause allergies, polio vaccine may not be given again. In children who are known to have severe allergies to neomycin, streptomycin and polymyxin B, polio vaccine may not be recommended.
Polio Vaccine for Adults
Polio can strike at any age. If there are adults who have never received the polio vaccine at all, they can get three doses of the polio vaccine with a gap between the first and second doses of about 1-2 months. Then, the interval between the second and third doses is between 6-12 months
In addition, there are three groups of adults who need the polio vaccine because of the high risk of coming into contact with the polio virus. First, adults who frequently travel to areas where there are known cases of polio.
Second, laboratory workers who handle specimens that may contain poliovirus. Third, health workers who take care of patients infected with polio. For adults in this category, it is recommended to consult a doctor about the possibility of obtaining additional polio vaccine.
Polio is a dangerous disease that can cause paralysis and death. Avoid the risk of infection with the dangerous polio virus by vaccination. Stick to the polio vaccine schedule according to the doctor's advice.
