IPV Side Effects

Although most people do not experience any problems after receiving IPV, side effects are possible. Common reactions to the vaccine include vomiting, injection site skin reactions, and irritability. While most side effects are mild, some are potentially serious and require medical attention, including weakness or tingling, high fever, or unusual changes in behavior.

An Introduction to IPV Side Effects

As with all vaccines, side effects are possible with IPV (inactivated polio vaccine). However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will have problems. In fact, most children tolerate it quite well. 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.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with IPV. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
 

Serious Side Effects Seen With IPV

There are a number of rare but serious IPV side effects that you should report to your child's healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
 
  • A high fever
  • Any unusual behavioral changes (aside from the usual fussiness that typically occurs after vaccinations)
  • Weakness, tingling, or paralysis (which may be signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • An unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Swelling of the mouth or throat
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing.
 
It is important to note that unlike the older, oral polio vaccine, which is a live vaccine, IPV cannot cause polio because it contains inactivated (killed) viruses.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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