Poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine helps protect individuals against diseases or infections caused by poliovirus.
Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can cause crippling. It is caused by poliovirus and spreads through contact with the stool of an infected person or through secretions from coughing or sneezing.
This medicine helps the body make antibodies (substances in the body that help fight infection) to protect individuals against this infection.
Poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle, usually into the muscles of the upper arm or thigh) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh or upper arm).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you or your child.
The total number of injections that you or your child will receive will be decided by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you or your child does not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine.
If you or your child miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert the doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine if you or your child had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you or your child have acute severe febrile illness (a rapid onset of fever and symptoms such as headache, chills, or muscle and joint pains) as Poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine may not be suitable for you or your child.
Inform your doctor if you or your child have the following conditions:
- drug allergy to certain antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin B, or streptomycin
- bleeding problems
- weak immune system
- any sudden illness (with or without fever)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, sleepiness, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and swelling, redness, pain or discomfort at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you or your child experiences any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- temporary loss of consciousness or fainting
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you or your child experiences other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you or your child is taking or using any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you or your child is taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Poliomyelitis inactivated vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.