VACCINATIONS
Polio, often referred to as infantile paralysis, is a serious and potentially life-altering illness caused by viruses. It spreads through the contamination of food or water with feces and can lead to complications like lasting paralysis, muscle weakness, impaired bone growth, and joint issues. Even long after the initial infection, individuals may experience muscle pain and ongoing paralysis, a condition known as post-polio syndrome.
In Germany, the primary immunization for polio takes place in the first year of life.
For those with incomplete or lacking primary immunization, it's important to catch up on vaccinations. This can be done at any time, involving two or three injections spaced at least four weeks to six months apart.
Routine booster shots are typically recommended between the ages of 11 and 16.
You have the option to receive the Polio Shot as part of a 4-in-1 combination vaccine, alongside diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, or as a standalone vaccine.
In Germany, there isn't a standard recommendation for routine boosters in adults.
Nevertheless, any missed booster shots can be caught up in adulthood.
While much of the world has successfully eradicated polio, pockets of the disease persist in certain countries and regions, with the risk of importation to areas where it has been eliminated. Unfortunately, there is no cure for either polio or post-polio syndrome, but managing symptoms can significantly improve the quality of life.
Generally, vaccinations are well-tolerated. Common reactions include redness or swelling at the injection site, occasionally with some pain. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also swell. General symptoms like chills, fever, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle pain, irritability, or gastrointestinal issues may occur. Typically, these vaccine reactions subside within one to three days after vaccination. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and while allergic reactions to vaccine components are possible, they are uncommon.
The occurrence of polio resulting from vaccination, an exceedingly rare event with the earlier live vaccine (about 1 in 3 million vaccinations), is excluded with today's vaccine.
Resources:
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-erwachsene/polio-kinderlaehmung/
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