Reliable protection that helps prevent paralysis and severe illness
Polio is a virus that lives in the feces of infected individuals and spreads through direct contact or contaminated food and water. Thanks to widespread vaccination, polio has virtually disappeared in the United States. However, it still circulates in some parts of the world, and unvaccinated individuals remain at risk.
Polio can permanently paralyze the arms, legs, or breathing muscles. Before vaccines were available, polio caused paralysis and death in thousands of people in the U.S. each year, and millions around the world. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent the spread of this serious disease.
At Marshfield Clinic, our pediatric and family medicine providers ensure children stay on schedule with polio vaccination as part of routine preventive care.
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View immunization history
You can view your immunization history by logging into My Marshfield Clinic.
Symptoms
Many people infected with polio have no symptoms, but severe cases may cause:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Paralysis of muscles, including breathing muscles
Seek immediate medical care for symptoms of paralysis.
Possible complications
Polio can lead to:
- Permanent paralysis of arms and legs
- Paralysis of breathing muscles
- Life threatening respiratory failure
- Long‑term disability
Vaccination prevents the virus from causing severe and irreversible damage.
Who's most at risk
Polio primarily affects:
- Unvaccinated infants and children
- Individuals traveling to countries where polio still occurs
- People exposed through contaminated food or water
Vaccine recommendations
All children should receive three or four doses of the polio vaccine (depending on the vaccine brand), beginning at 2 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 4-6 years old.
Your child’s provider will ensure the recommended schedule is followed.
How Marshfield Clinic supports you
Our team helps families:
- Stay on schedule with routine childhood vaccinations
- Review immunization records
- Understand why the polio vaccine remains essential
- Answer questions with clarity and reassurance
Frequently asked questions
Is polio still a threat in the U.S.?
While rare, polio remains a risk due to global travel and cases in other countries.
Is the polio vaccine safe?
Yes. It has been widely used for decades with a strong safety record.