IPOL ® ( inactivated polio vaccine) is a polio vaccine. Unlike earlier oral vaccines, this one is injected (not taken by mouth). Most importantly, because IPOL is an inactivated vaccine, it cannot cause polio. In rare cases, the oral polio vaccine can cause disease. Although the oral vaccine is still used in some parts of the world because it is less expensive, it is no longer recommended in the United States.
(Click IPOL Uses for more information on what the vaccine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
IPOL does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to this element can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts. Some parents also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines; IPOL does not contain any aluminum.
Parents may also have concerns about the use of human or animal components in vaccines. The polio virus used in this vaccine is grown in a line of monkey kidney cells using bovine (cow) calf serum. No human cell components are used to make this vaccine.
IPOL is made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
Simply stated, the IPOL vaccine "tricks" the body into thinking it has been exposed to an actual polio infection, but without the risk of an actual infection. The vaccine contains three different strains of polio virus that have been "inactivated" (killed). These viruses cannot cause polio. The body produces antibodies that will help fight the infections if future exposure occurs.
Polio enters the body through the digestive system. IPOL is not as good as the oral polio vaccine for preventing the polio virus from infecting the digestive tract. Such an infection would be harmless to the individual, but could still be spread to other people. However, because the oral polio vaccine (which is a live vaccine) can rarely actually cause polio, IPOL is currently recommended instead of the oral vaccine in the United States.
Some general considerations to keep in mind about this vaccine include the following:
- IPOL is given as four doses (for children) or three doses (for adults). It is often given at the same time as other routine childhood immunizations.
- This vaccine can be injected either into a muscle (intramuscularly) or just under the skin (subcutaneously).
- Individuals can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, IPOL should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dose for this vaccine, although the exact vaccination "schedule" varies, depending on the age and previous vaccination history of the individual (see IPOL Dosage for more information).
Just like any vaccine, IPOL may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience problems. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects, if any. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with IPOL include but are not limited to:
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Injection site reactions, such as tenderness or swelling.
(Click IPOL Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk to a healthcare provider before your child receives this vaccine if your child has:
- An immune-suppressing condition, such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine in the past
- A moderate-to-severe illness
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all the medicines your child is taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Should IPOL Be Stored?
IPOL should be stored in the refrigerator; it should not be frozen.
The vaccine is available in single-dose 0.5-mL prefilled syringes or in 10-dose vials.
Is There a Generic Version of IPOL?
This vaccine is not available in generic form (see Generic IPOL).
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