Since wildtype polio is not transmitted in the U.S. at this time, routine booster immunization is not universally recommended for health care workers in this country. It is recommended that all health care workers have a history of primary immunization against polio with one of the vaccines. If they have never had either series, they should receive the primary series with IPV. Polio immunization, with IPV (or OPV) protects against both wildtype and vaccine-derived poliovirus disease (cVDPV).

Polio boosters are given to health care workers when previously-immunized individuals plan to enter a situation that involves a risk of exposure to polio:

- Travel to areas of polio endemicity (with either wildtype or vaccine-derived PV activity).
- Medical care of individuals who may be excreting poliovirus
- Laboratory work that involves handling polioviruses

This is the End of the Module on Polio Vaccines

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