Polio Vaccination in the U.S.
Updated August 3, 2022
- For best protection, children should get four doses of polio vaccine.
- Since 2000, the only polio vaccine used in the U.S. is inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
- This vaccine is given as a shot in the arm or leg, is very safe, and protects against severe disease, including paralysis.
Ideally, your child should receive a dose at ages:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 through 18 months
- 4 through 6 years
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) may sometimes be given in the same shot with other vaccines (also called combination vaccines). You can ask your child’s doctor about this option.
- More information about Vaccine for Polio (also available in Spanish)
Some adults might not have received sufficient vaccine protection. For polio vaccination recommendations for adults see Polio Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.
Where to Get Polio Vaccine
- Parents, work with your child’s healthcare provider on doses and timing. If you don’t have health insurance, or if your insurance doesn’t cover vaccines for your child, the Vaccines for Children Program may be able to help.
- Adults, see Finding and Paying for Vaccines or Find a Travel Medicine Clinic.
Traveling to Another Country?
Visit Polio and Travel and CDC’s Travelers’ Health website for travel health information.
Make sure you get your travel vaccination(s) well before your departure date to ensure complete protection. See your healthcare provider for more information.
Page last reviewed: August 3, 2022
Content source: Global Immunization
