What is the polio vaccine used to prevent?

The polio vaccine, officially known as the poliomyelitis vaccine, is primarily used to prevent poliomyelitis, commonly referred to as infantile paralysis. This vaccine achieves active immunization by attenuating or rendering the viral strain non-toxic through virulence variation or artificial selection and cultivation. The poliovirus is mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Infection may cause damage to the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and even permanent disability. Therefore, the polio vaccine is typically included as part of childhood immunization programs to ensure that children receive immune protection at an early age. Currently, there are mainly two types of polio vaccines: oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Both are effective in preventing poliomyelitis.