Polio Vaccine Finder – How to Find the Right Polio Vaccine for You

A polio vaccine is an injection given to help your body fight against the poliovirus. It’s recommended that all children get this shot at two, four, and six months of age as well as four years old and again before entering kindergarten. Adults should also be vaccinated every time they change jobs or move to a new country where the virus might still be present. For those traveling overseas, you can use this polio vaccine finder to make sure you’re protected wherever you go.

What is Polio?

Poliomyelitis, commonly referred to as polio, is a contagious viral disease that affects a person's nervous system. While there is no cure for polio, it can be prevented by vaccination. Before widespread vaccination was introduced in 1955, polio crippled tens of thousands of people every year in America alone. There are three types of vaccines available: an oral vaccine (OPV), injected vaccine (IPV) and an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). If you're considering getting vaccinated against polio, here's what you need to know about finding and choosing one of these three options.

The Way Polio Spreads and Inflicts Damage

Because polio isn’t transmitted person-to-person, it’s spread when a susceptible person ingests contaminated food or water. The disease can also be transmitted by eating food handled by an infected person and through human feces. Fecal exposure is also how people catch tetanus, a potentially fatal condition that causes muscle spasms and body rigidity—which makes mobility difficult if not impossible. Fortunately, both polio and tetanus can be prevented with vaccines that are readily available at CVS stores near you.

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Polio Vaccine Finder – How to Find the Right Polio Vaccine for You

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Why You Need a Shot

The polio vaccine, which was developed in 1952 and contains a weakened form of live poliovirus (attenuated vaccine), is one of two vaccines available that protects against polio. The other is an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) that contains dead poliovirus and is given by injection.

Finding the Right Vaccine

The polio vaccine is one of those vaccines that everyone should get in their lifetime. However, there are actually four different types of polio vaccines: Salk, Sabin, IPV (oral) and IPV (injection). It’s important that you find out which type of polio vaccine will work best for you because each variety has its own benefits and risks. The first step in finding a suitable polio vaccine is figuring out what your health insurance covers.

Risks Associated with Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Shots

What Are MMR Shots? Mumps, measles and rubella are three diseases caused by viruses. All three diseases can be serious, especially in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all children receive two doses of MMR vaccine: first at 12 through 15 months of age, and then again between 4 through 6 years old. More information can be found on the CDC’s website. Unlike some other vaccines, like polio or tetanus shots which require just one dose...

Things to Consider Before Getting an MMR Shot

An MMR shot is a powerful vaccine that can prevent measles, mumps and rubella. But you should talk with your doctor before getting an MMR shot if you have certain health conditions or are pregnant. Learn more about what to expect from an MMR shot in this short guide. Plus, find out where you can get one and learn how to save money on vaccines.

Local Resources for Getting Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Shots

Finding shots for MMR, polio, or tetanus may be a little trickier than your basic doctor’s visit. Local pharmacies and medical supply stores often carry these vaccines—in fact, major chains like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens even have their own private clinics. However, you should still call ahead first if you have any questions or concerns. Furthermore, these clinics often carry other private vaccines such as hepatitis A/B and flu shots.

Polio Vaccine Finder – Get the Shot to End Polio

There are lots of different polio vaccines, and which one you choose will depend on your age and if you’ve been vaccinated before. Check out our polio vaccine finder to see which vaccines are recommended for you.