The Polio Vaccine

The polio vaccine protects against a disease called poliomyelitis (polio). It is a very contagious disease that largely affects children younger than 5 years old. Polio attacks the nervous system and can lead to spinal and respiratory paralysis and in some cases death.

Thanks to vaccines, polio is now very rare, but it is not completely gone. Before the vaccine became available in 1995, polio killed or paralyzed more than half a million people every year.

North Carolina Requirements for Children and College/University Students

The polio vaccine is needed to enter child care programs, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities in North Carolina.

For younger children, the doses are usually spread out over four years:

  • Two doses before age 5 months.
  • A third dose around age 19 months.
  • A booster around age 4.

If the third dose is given after a child's 4th birthday and was given at least six months after the second dose, the booster might not be needed.

Students younger than 18 who are starting college or university in North Carolina must have gotten three doses. If not, they are required to get them. A student attending school who has already turned 18 years old is not required to get a polio vaccine.

See the official details of North Carolina's dosage requirements, including the polio (poliomyelitis) vaccine.

Recommended Doses for Others

See Polio Vaccine Recommendations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Side Effects

The polio vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the polio vaccine, they most often include soreness, swelling or pain where the vaccine is given.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.

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