How is polio spread?

     Polio is spread by fecal-oral transmission. This means that the virus is spread directly from the stool of an infected person to the mouth of another person, probably from contaminated hands. Inanimate objects, such as eating utensils, may also spread the virus. Food and water are believed to play a minor role in the spread of poliovirus

After what age is routine polio vaccine no longer recommended?

     In the United States, routine polio vaccination is not recommended for persons 18 years of age and older.

How long is oral polio vaccine virus shed in the stool after the dose?

     Up to 6 weeks. Viral shedding in the stool is generally longest following the first dose and is generally shorter with each subsequent dose.

How much of a dose of oral polio vaccine can be spit out before the dose needs to be repeated?

     There is no definite rule. However, if, in the judgment of the person administering the vaccine, a substantial amount of vaccine is spit out, regurgitated, or vomited shortly after administration (i.e., within 5-10 minutes), another dose can be
administered at the same visit. If this repeat dose is not retained, neither dose should be counted, and the vaccine should be re-administered at the next visit.

Should OPV be given even when a child is mildly ill with watery diarrhea?

      In general, yes. The decision whether or not to vaccinate a child with a concurrent illness depends on the severity of the illness. If the child does not have a significant fever and is not dehydrated, vaccine should be given.

Can empty OPV dispettes be thrown away in the trash can?

      Most localities consider containers which held live virus vaccines as infectious waste, and require that they be autoclaved before disposal. So these containers should be disposed with used needles and syringes.