Vaccinations have recently become the subject of heated debate and controversy. Parents study the available information and yet continue to be tormented by doubts. The choice is difficult to make in the light of the two extremes. The first is the danger of the disease against which the vaccination is due. And the second - possible complications after the vaccination.
Poliomyelitis is an infection of the enterovirus nature, which leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes, and also affects motor neurons and causes paresis and paralysis. The main method of controlling the disease is prevention, namely the introduction of a polio vaccine. That is, vaccinations are made to prevent a child from becoming infected with polio, which, like all others, can cause complications.
To date, two types of vaccines are used against this ailment:
- oral live poliomyelitis vaccine (OPV) - in simple terms, polio drops;
- inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV).
The inactivated vaccine is less dangerous, but it is inferior to the oral one, which is less conducive to the development of local immunity in the digestive system, the place where the virus most actively multiplies. But the live vaccine is more reactogenic and it is during its use that the reactions to polio vaccination most often arise.
Where do they get a vaccine against poliomyelitis?
Oral vaccine, a transparent or slightly tinted liquid, having a sweetish taste, is buried, as the name suggests, into the mouth, or more precisely - to the tip of the tongue. If the vaccine is used to induce vomiting, try again. Within an hour after vaccination, eating and drinking are not recommended.
OPV contains live, albeit weakened, viruses, so it has the following contraindications:
- the presence of immune deficiency or cases of close contact with persons who have it;
- complications of a neurological nature after a previous vaccination against poliomyelitis.
Side effects from vaccination against polio when using OPV:
- allergy;
- a local reaction that manifests itself as diarrhea after vaccination against poliomyelitis.
The inactivated vaccine is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. This vaccination against polio does not contain live viruses, but it has contraindications for children who:
- They are allergic to the vaccine supplementary components (showed it in previous vaccinations);
- are allergic to the following antimicrobials: neomycin, polymyxin B and streptomycin.
The consequences of vaccination against poliomyelitis:
- local reaction - swelling and redness of the injection site;
- weakness and general malaise;
- decreased appetite;
- Also such a polio vaccination provokes an increase in body temperature.
Vaccination against poliomyelitis: schedule
In accordance with the modern calendar of vaccinations, oral vaccination is given to the child at 3, 4,5 and 6 months. Revaccinations are carried out at the age of 18 and 20 months, and then at 14 years.
Primary inoculation of inactivated vaccine is carried out in 2 stages with an interval of not less than 1, 5 months. A year after the last inoculation, the first revaccination is carried out, and after another 5 years - the second.
What is the danger of a polio vaccine?
The only serious, but rather rare consequence of vaccination may be vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis. It can develop with the first injection of the vaccine, less often - with repeated ones. Risk group - children with congenital human immunodeficiency virus, malformations of the digestive system. In the future, people who have undergone this disease are vaccinated only with an inactivated vaccine.