What Everyone Should Know about Polio

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a disabling and potentially deadly disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing paralysis (can’t move parts of the body). There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with safe and effective vaccination.

Anyone who is unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated is at risk for developing paralysis if infected with poliovirus. See Polio Vaccination in the U.S.

Polio vaccination information:

What Everyone Should Know

Resources for parents:

Other polio resources: