New recommendations for poliovirus vaccination

PREVIEW

Unfortunately, wild poliovirus still exists in pockets around the world, so immigrants and travelers remain a potential source of infection. In addition, a few cases of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis are reported each year with use of oral vaccine alone. Fortunately, US physicians have three highly effective and acceptable options for poliomyelitis immunization. Physician and patient preferences may influence the choice, but the sequential parenteral-oral vaccine schedule is a reasoned balance of risks and benefits and should be promoted as the preferred regimen for routine vaccination of healthy children.