What is the recommended dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) for a polio booster?

Recommended Dose of Polio Booster Vaccine

The recommended dose for a polio booster is a single 0.5 mL dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. 1

Timing and Administration of Polio Booster

The polio vaccination schedule consists of specific doses at different ages:

For Children:

• Primary series: Three 0.5 mL doses at ages 2,4, and 6-18 months
• Booster dose: One 0.5 mL dose at age 4-6 years 2

Key administration points:

• The final dose should be administered at age ≥4 years regardless of previous doses
• Minimum interval from dose 3 to dose 4 is 6 months
• The booster dose is critical for long-term immunity 2

For Adults:

Adults who have previously completed a primary series and are at increased risk for poliovirus exposure should receive a single 0.5 mL dose of IPV as a booster. 2, 1

Route of Administration

• For children: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
• For adults: Preferred injection site is the deltoid area 1
• IPV should NEVER be administered intravenously 1, 3

Special Considerations

Combination Vaccines

When DTaP-IPV/Hib (Pentacel) is used for the primary series, an additional booster dose of age-appropriate IPV-containing vaccine should be administered at age 4-6 years, resulting in a 5-dose series. 2

Catch-up Vaccination

For children with an incomplete series:

• Additional doses should be given to complete the series
• No need to restart the series regardless of time elapsed between doses 1

High-Risk Adults

For adults at increased risk of exposure (travelers to endemic areas, healthcare workers with exposure risk, laboratory workers handling poliovirus):

• If previously vaccinated: One 0.5 mL booster dose
• Available data do not indicate the need for more than a single lifetime booster dose 2

Contraindications and Precautions

• Do not administer to persons with severe allergic reactions to previous IPV doses or to antibiotics contained in IPV (streptomycin, polymyxin B, neomycin)
• Pregnancy: Vaccination should be avoided unless the woman is at increased risk and requires immediate protection 2
• For immunodeficient persons: IPV is the only recommended polio vaccine 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Incorrect timing: Ensure the minimum interval of 6 months between dose 3 and the booster dose
2. Wrong administration route: Never administer IPV intravenously
3. Overlooking the need for booster: The booster dose at age ≥4 years is essential regardless of previous doses
4. Restarting incomplete series: There is no need to restart the series regardless of time elapsed between doses

The 0.5 mL dose has been shown to provide optimal immunity, with studies demonstrating high seroconversion rates and antibody titers after booster administration 4.