Imovax Polio

Imovax Polio

Imovax Polio is a polio vaccine that uses dead virus bits to protect against polio. Since the virus is already dead, it can’t give you polio. What it does is teach your body to fight the real virus if you ever meet it. It’s given as a shot and is part of regular shots for kids in Pakistan and other countries.

Active ingredient:

• Dead poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3

Medicine category:

• Dead polio vaccine (IPV)

How it comes:

• Shot (needle with medicine already in it)

When doctors give it: In Pakistani hospitals and clinics, Imovax Polio gets used for:

• Regular shots for babies and kids against polio
• Extra shots for older kids and adults when needed
• People going to places where polio still happens
• Doctors and lab workers who might touch poliovirus

Watch out if you have:

• Only trained doctors should give this shot
• Bad allergy to anything in the vaccine
• High fever or really sick – wait until you feel better
• Never put in a vein – only under skin or in muscle
• Pregnant or nursing women need doctor to decide first

What you might feel:

• Sore, red, or puffy where you got the shot
• Small fever
• Kids might get cranky
• Headache, sore muscles, or tired feeling
• Really bad allergic reactions are very rare but need quick help

Storage:
Keep cold between 2°C and 8°C. Never freeze it – freezing breaks the vaccine. Keep away from light. Don’t use if the box is broken or if it got frozen.

Doctor’s Review – Dr. Ali Faisal Saleem, Consultant Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Aga Khan Hospital):
Imovax Polio is a safe and effective vaccine that protects children against a devastating disease Pakistan is still fighting. Side effects like a sore arm are minor compared to the risks of polio. The protection it offers is proven, and timely vaccination is essential for every child.

Note: This is just information about the medicine, not doctor advice. Imovax Polio should only be given by real doctors as part of Pakistan’s shot program.