While polio case rates have declined drastically, the virus is not completely eradicated. To remove the virus completely, every child still needs to be vaccinated to prevent its severe complications like paralysis and death. Learn why the polio vaccine is still necessary in 2026in this article. Reach out to us on https://doralhw.org/contact-us/ for a consultation with the best infectious disease doctors in Brooklyn, New York.
What is the polio vaccine?
The polio vaccine is a vaccine used to protect against polio, an infectious disease that affects the nervous system. It mostly affects children at a younger age. It has three types and usually spreads through contact with a contaminated person’s feces – either directly or by touching a contaminated surface and later touching your mouth. This virus causes flu-like symptoms, but in severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and death. Once a person gets polio, it has no cure, and supportive treatment only helps to manage symptoms and prevent complications. The first licensed polio vaccine was developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh in 1955. This vaccine is very effective in preventing polio infection, especially its complications like severe disease, paralysis, and death. There are two major polio vaccines:
- The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV): This contains an inactive form of poliovirus that is given to you by injection. It is also known as the Salk vaccine to honor Dr. Salk. This vaccine is the only polio vaccine used in the United States.
- The oral polio vaccine (OPV): This vaccine contains a weakened form of poliovirus that you receive via drops on the tongue. It is also known as the Sabin vaccine in honor of Albert Sabin, who developed it. This oral vaccine is no longer used in the United States, but in other areas worldwide.
Who needs it?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all children should get 4 doses of the polio vaccine as a part of their routine vaccination schedule to get protection from poliovirus. Most adults who are born and raised in the US are vaccinated for polio. Adults with increased risk of exposure to poliovirus may also receive one lifetime IPV booster as well.
Is it still necessary?
While polio cases have declined drastically after the development of the vaccine, the virus has not been eliminated. Type 1 polio is still found in some areas of the world. Additionally, a new type of polio has been observed from the oral polio vaccine, which is known as vaccine-derived poliovirus. This spread occurs when the weakened virus from OPV enters a community with low vaccination rates.
Polio can spread worldwide through travel. For example, if someone infected with polio enters another country and encounters a community with low vaccination rates, polio may spread. In a recent case, an unvaccinated young adult from New York developed a case of polio with vaccine-derived poliovirus that partially paralyzed them. This virus came into the community from someone traveling, which is why vaccination is important.
Experts recommend that we should not have susceptible communities, and to prevent this, we need to promote vaccinations everywhere because this is the only way to prevent poliovirus. Widespread community polio vaccination will protect children who can’t get the vaccine. Children with compromised immune systems either need medical treatments or medical disorders and can’t get vaccinated. These children can’t choose to be vaccinated because either they’re on other medicines, or their body’s immune system is not able to protect them. Community vaccination can prevent the spread of polio, especially the severe outcomes like paralysis and death.
Could polio spread to other polio-free countries?
Yes, polio can spread to other polio-free countries as it can infect anyone who is not immune and is at risk. For every case of paralysis, there are between 200 to 1000 children infected without any symptoms at first. It is very difficult to detect polio and prevent the virus from spreading due to its non-specific clinical presentation. Children living in areas where immunity levels are low are the most vulnerable. The best defence against polio transmission is to eradicate the virus. Only then will all children be safe.
What is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)?
This is a partnership program that aims to consign polio to the history books. It is led by national governments with 5 partners – the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Since the GPEI was founded, polio cases have decreased worldwide by over 99%. As recently as 30 years ago, 100 children were paralyzed by polio every single day. By 2015, all countries but two had stopped polio transmission, and in 2021, the wild poliovirus was geographically constrained and caused only 6 cases of wild poliovirus throughout the year.
Failure to eradicate polio can lead to a global resurgence of the disease. Within 10 years, 200,000 new cases will show up every single year, all over the world. That’s why it is important to complete the job of polio eradication once and for all.
Polio prevention is still very necessary to prevent poliovirus and eradicate this disease once and for all. Poliovirus has no cure, and treatment only helps to manage the symptoms. But as it doesn’t show early symptoms, it can lead to severe complications like paralysis and death. That’s why every child must be vaccinated with the polio vaccine to help eradicate this infection. Need help to get your child vaccinated with the polio vaccine? Visit our infectious disease specialist at the Brooklyn clinic to get professional help. Book your appointment now, call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get treated! Learn more about infectious diseases at www.doralhw.org. and stay up to date on current health topics and new research, on recent infectious diseases like COVID-19. If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
