IPV Catch-Up Schedule for 17-Year-Old Male
The second dose of IPV should be administered 4-8 weeks after the first dose, which means the next dose can be given between November 1,2025 and November 28,2025, with the minimum acceptable interval being 4 weeks (October 31,2025). 1
Recommended Schedule for Unvaccinated Adolescents/Adults
For this 17-year-old male starting the IPV series, the complete catch-up schedule follows the adult unvaccinated protocol:
- Dose 1: Already received on 10/3/2025
- Dose 2: 4-8 weeks after dose 1 (preferred interval) 1
- Dose 3: 6-12 months after dose 2 1
The minimum acceptable interval between doses 1 and 2 is 4 weeks, though the preferred range is 4-8 weeks. 2
Important Scheduling Considerations
If accelerated protection is needed (such as for imminent travel to polio-endemic areas), all three doses can be administered at minimum 4-week intervals. 1 However, the standard schedule with longer intervals between doses 2 and 3 is preferred when time permits.
No additional doses beyond the three-dose primary series are needed for routine protection in adolescents and adults. 1 Only one lifetime booster dose would be indicated if this individual later has increased risk exposure (such as healthcare work with polio patients or laboratory work with poliovirus specimens). 2, 1
Clinical Context
Since routine poliovirus vaccination is not recommended for persons aged ≥18 years in the United States (as most are already immune from childhood vaccination), this catch-up series is appropriate for this 17-year-old who lacks documentation of prior vaccination. 2 The IPV series provides excellent protection, with 99-100% of recipients developing protective antibodies after three doses. 2
Common pitfall to avoid: Do not delay the second dose beyond 8 weeks unnecessarily, as this extends the period of vulnerability. While longer intervals do not invalidate the dose, they leave the individual inadequately protected for a longer duration. 2