|
Page: Vaccination Schedule
Main article
| Home > Child Health > Vaccination Schedule |
Following the widespread use of poliovirus vaccine in the mid-1950s, the incidence of poliomyelitis declined rapidly in many industrialized countries. As the incidence of wild polio diminishes, nations transition from use of the oral vaccine back to the injected vaccine because the risk of latrogenic polio outweighs the risk of subclinical transmission.
The use of OPV was discontinued in the United States in 2000, but it continues to be used around the globe. In 2002, a pentavalent (5-component) combination vaccine (called Pediarix) containing IPV was approved for use in the United States. The vaccine also contains combined diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccines (DTaP) and a pediatric dose of hepatitis B vaccine. In the UK the change from OPV to IPV occurred in 2004 and for convenience polio vaccine was combined with tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines.
The first dose of polio vaccine is given shortly after birth, usually between 1-2 months of age, a second dose is given at 4 months of age. The timing of the third dose depends of the vaccine formulation but should be given between 6–18 months of age. Booster vaccination are given at 4 to 6 years of age, for a total of four doses at or before school entry. In some countries a fifth vaccination is given during adolescence. Routine vaccination of adults (18 years of age and older) in developed countries is neither necessary nor recommended because most adults are already immune and have a very small risk of exposure to wild poliovirus in their home countries.
|
Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
|