Q: I heard there is a polio outbreak in the U.S. What should we know? Should my child be vaccinated? Or is it too late?
A: It is incredibly important to ensure that everyone who is due for a polio vaccine receives it in a timely fashion.
What once was eradicated has now been detected in wastewater of certain regions of NY. There is no cure for polio virus and the paralysis that may result from it is permanent.
See the most recent updates from the New York State Department of Health
You should know: In the U.S.A., the inactivated polio vaccine is readily available.
This is an incredibly safe and highly effective vaccination. A child typically receives their polio vaccinations at 2 mo, 4mo, 6mo, and 4 years. The third shot gives them upwards of 99-100% protection against contracting the virus. It is not too late to catch up with the vaccine if you are off schedule. Keeping timely visits with your pediatrician will enable your child to be as protected as soon as possible.
