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:
Resources for parents:
- English: Polio Vaccines for Children
- Spanish: Vacunas infantiles contra la poliomielitis
Other polio resources:
- For Travelers
- What is Polio – FAQ
- Polio Elimination in the United States
- Adult Vaccination for Polio
- The following fact sheet is intended to be customized by organizations who would like to distribute information about polio using their own logo or formatting.
Learn About Polio [1 page]