Imovax Polio suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe – inactivated polio vaccine

Imovax Polio is a vaccine containing three types of inactivated (killed) poliovirus – types 1, 2 and 3. It stimulates the immune system to make antibodies that protect against poliomyelitis; because the viruses are not live, the vaccine cannot cause the disease.

In Serbia it is authorised as Imovax Polio, suspension for injection in a pre-filled syringe (Sanofi Pasteur), one 0.5 mL dose. It is given in line with national immunisation recommendations.

What is the Imovax Polio vaccine used for and how is it given?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Imovax Polio used for?

Imovax Polio is indicated for the prevention of poliomyelitis in infants, children and adults, for both primary vaccination and booster doses. It can also be used in people who must not receive the oral vaccine and as a booster in people previously vaccinated with the oral vaccine.

How is it given and dosed?

• The vaccine is given by a healthcare professional, preferably into a muscle (may also be given under the skin), never into a blood vessel.
• In infants and young children it is given into the middle of the outer thigh; in older children, adolescents and adults into the shoulder muscle.
• If a dose is missed, the doctor decides when to give it.

Special groups

• Very premature infants (born at 28 weeks or earlier), especially with immature lungs: because of the risk of brief pauses in breathing (apnoea), breathing is monitored for 48–72 hours after primary vaccination.
• Weakened immunity (corticosteroids, cytotoxic medicines, radiotherapy, immunodeficiency): the response to the vaccine may be weaker – the doctor may postpone vaccination; in chronic immunodeficiency, e.g. HIV infection, vaccination is still recommended.
• Thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorder: bleeding may occur after intramuscular injection.

Contraindications – when the vaccine must not be given

Imovax Polio must not be given if you or your child:

• are allergic to the active substances, the excipients or to neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B;
• had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of this or a similar vaccine;
• have a fever or acute illness – vaccination is postponed.

Warnings and precautions

• As with other injected vaccines, anaphylaxis is rarely possible – a short period of medical observation after vaccination is therefore needed.
• The vaccine contains phenylalanine (may be harmful in phenylketonuria) and small amounts of ethanol (less than 100 mg per dose).

Use with other vaccines and medicines

No risks are known with simultaneous use of other common vaccines; in that case different syringes and different injection sites are used.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

The vaccine may be used in pregnancy in high-risk situations and during breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your doctor.

Driving and using machines

No studies on the effect of the vaccine on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.

Possible side effects

Serious allergic reactions are very rare and usually occur while you are still at the healthcare facility.

• very common (more than 1 in 10): pain at the injection site; fever above 38.1 °C;
• common (up to 1 in 10): redness at the injection site;
• uncommon (up to 1 in 100): hardening at the injection site;
• frequency not known: agitation, drowsiness and irritability in the first hours or days; convulsions (with or without fever); headache; temporary tingling, especially in the legs, within two weeks; rash; temporary joint and muscle pain; swollen lymph nodes; swelling that may appear 48 hours after vaccination and last 1–2 days.

Missed dose

• Missed dose: the doctor decides when the missed dose will be given; the schedule continues according to the national programme.
• Overdose: the vaccine is given by a healthcare professional at the prescribed dose of 0.5 mL.

Related information

For checking temperature after vaccination, see also the category Digital and non-contact thermometers – products in this category do not replace the vaccine or medical advice.

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substances (0.5 mL dose): inactivated poliovirus type 1, Mahoney strain – 40 DU; type 2, MEF-1 strain – 8 DU; type 3, Saukett strain – 32 DU (grown on VERO cells; DU – D antigen unit).
• Excipients: phenoxyethanol (as a 50% solution in ethanol), formaldehyde, Medium 199 Hanks (contains amino acids including phenylalanine, mineral salts, vitamins, glucose and polysorbate 80), hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide; possible traces of neomycin, streptomycin and polymyxin B.
• Appearance: clear, colourless suspension.
• Pack: 1 glass pre-filled 1 mL syringe with 0.5 mL suspension, with or without needle.
• Manufacturers: Sanofi Pasteur, Marcy l´Etoile and Val-de-Reuil (France); Sanofi-Aventis Zrt., Budapest (Hungary).

Storage

• Store in a refrigerator (2–8 °C) in the original package to protect from light; do not freeze.
• Use immediately after opening; do not use if cloudy. Shelf life is 3 years.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

Can Imovax Polio cause polio?

No. The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) polioviruses, which stimulate antibody production but cannot cause the disease.

How many doses does a baby get?

According to the leaflet, infants from 2 months receive 3 doses of 0.5 mL 1–2 months apart, and the first booster is given at 2 years, one year after the third dose; the exact schedule is set by the national immunisation programme.

Can adults have this vaccine?

Yes. Unvaccinated adults receive 2 doses 1–2 months apart and a booster 8–12 months later; further boosters follow national recommendations.

What is normal after vaccination?

Pain and redness at the injection site and fever are common, and children may be temporarily irritable or sleepy. Seek emergency help immediately for hives, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

Sources

• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Imovax Polio (SmPC, Serbian)
• ALIMS – Package leaflet, Imovax Polio suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe (PIL, Serbian)

Sources checked on: 25 October 2026.