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Schedule Polio Vaccine (Poliomyelitis) | Walgreens

Polio (poliomyelitis) vaccine

Schedule your vaccine today.

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Vaccines offered at Walgreens vary by state, age and health conditions. Talk to your local pharmacist about availability.
Quick facts
Recommended for
Travelers
Frequency
1–2 doses at least 4–8 weeks
prior to travel

What is polio?

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that is easily spread through close personal contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water. In some cases, it can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure and even death.

Polio has been virtually eliminated in the U.S. and many parts of the world, but clusters of cases and small outbreaks are still reported in some areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The inactivated polio vaccine has been used to protect people against polio since 1955. Although polio has been effectively eliminated in the U.S., it’s still given to protect against infection through travel. The vaccine is administered in several doses to both adults and children.

    To learn more about the polio vaccine from the CDC download this PDF or visit the CDC website.

    • All children should receive doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months and 4–6 years
    • Adults who've never been vaccinated against polio and are traveling to an area where polio is common should get two doses in a 1–2-month interval and a booster 6–12 months later
    • Healthcare workers who’ve never been vaccinated against polio and are treating patients who could have polio
    • People who work in laboratories and may handle poliovirus specimens
    • Anyone with moderate or severe illness should wait until they recover to be vaccinated
    • People with hypersensitivity or an allergy to the antibiotics neomycin, polymyxin B and streptomycin
    • People who’ve previously had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine

    People who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should ask their doctor if they should receive the vaccine.

  • Mild-to-moderate side effects:

    • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

    Severe side effects, although rare, may include serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Wheezing
    • Hives
    • Pale skin
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Dizziness

    Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unexpected or worsening reactions after receiving a vaccine.

If you believe you have a medical emergency, please call 911.

References:

Hamborsky J, Kroger A, Wolfe S, eds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. 14th ed. Washington, DC: Public Health Foundation, 2021.

Vaccine Information Statement: Polio Vaccine (What You Need to Know) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 08/06/2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/ipv.pdf. Accessed September 2021.

This publication should be used for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this publication.