How long is the polio vaccine good for?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is not known exactly how long people who received the polio vaccine will be protected, but routine vaccination gives long-lasting protection. Children receive four doses as part of the recommended schedule to help ensure sustained immunity.

Why get the polio vaccine?

Polio is a serious disease caused by a virus that can lead to paralysis. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) protects against poliomyelitis and is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule recommended by the CDC; adults who have not been fully vaccinated may also need doses.

Who should get the polio vaccine?

CDC recommends that all children receive four doses of polio vaccine at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years. Most adults in the United States received polio vaccine as children and are considered protected; some adults at higher risk (travelers, lab workers) may need vaccination.

How does polio spread?

Polio spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Maintaining high vaccination rates helps protect communities and prevents outbreaks.

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Q: Are polio vaccines still required?

Polio vaccines are not mandated by federal law, but laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia require the vaccination for children entering school or kindergarten.

Cases of polio (poliomyelitis) have not been entirely eradicated worldwide.* The polio vaccine is free with most insurance* plans. Plus, get a $5 off $20 coupon* for the next time you shop at CVS®. Restrictions apply.*

Your pharmacist or MinuteClinic® provider is always available to discuss which vaccines are right for you.

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Important information about polio

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get four doses of polio vaccine,* and each dose should be administered at each of the following ages: 2 months old, 4 months old, 6 through 18 months old, and 4 through 6 years old.

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What you should know about polio

Polio is a disease that can cause paralysis

Polio is a serious disease that is caused by a virus. It is most often transmitted through direct contact with someone who has the virus, but some people get it through food and water.

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A microscopic image of the virus that causes polio.

Polio has not been eradicated worldwide

The number of polio cases has been substantially lowered, but not eradicated. There is no cure for polio once infected, so the CDC still urges children be vaccinated to protect them from this potentially devastating illness.

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CDC urges children be vaccinated

Polio vaccines are not mandated by federal law. However, according to the CDC, laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia* require this vaccination for children entering kindergarten.

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Vaccines at CVS are FREE with most insurance

Find vaccines that are free with most insurance, including flu, COVID-19, RSV,* shingles, pneumonia (pneumococcal), hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and more.

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Schedule a vaccine and get a $5 off $20 coupon* for the next time you shop at CVS.

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Last updated February 5, 2025, using U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine guidance.

FAQs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is not known exactly how long people who received the polio vaccine will be protected against the virus, but it is believed that the vaccine is effective for many years. Adults who are at higher risk for polio and were already vaccinated as a child may be eligible for a booster dose. For further information, visit the CDC page on the polio vaccine’s duration of protection:

Learn more about polio vaccine effectiveness

Polio vaccines are not mandated by federal law. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), laws in almost all 50 states and the District of Columbia* require this vaccination for children entering kindergarten.

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Learn more about vaccines from CDC

*FOR ERADICATED WORLDWIDE CLAIM: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why CDC is working to end polio globally. February 18, 2025. Accessed September 1, 2026.
*FOR FREE WITH MOST INSURANCE: All 29 vaccines offered at CVS Pharmacy® are no cost with most insurance. Eligibility varies by patient and insurance plan. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Availability varies by state based on law. This is not an all-inclusive list of who should be vaccinated. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Vaccines are available at most CVS Pharmacy locations.
*FOR $5 OFF $20 COUPON OFFER: Offer available August 10, 2026, through December 31, 2026, while supplies last. Appointments scheduled online will receive the coupon after vaccination. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require multiple doses, the coupon will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. ExtraCare® card required to receive savings. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. Coupon barcode number must be provided to redeem online. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Coupon shall not be issued in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York, or at MinuteClinic® locations in Arkansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York. Coupon cannot be redeemed at CVS Pharmacy® at Target, CVS Pharmacy® at Schnucks® or at MinuteClinic locations. This offer is solely made by CVS® and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer. In pharmacy locations at Target, eligible patients may receive a coupon to be redeemed in their respective stores.
*FOR RESTRICTIONS APPLY: Availability varies by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Vaccines are currently available at most CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations and is no cost with most insurance plans.
*FOR CHILDREN GET FOUR DOSES OF POLIO VACCINE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Polio vaccination. Updated July 9, 2024. Accessed September 1, 2026.
*FOR RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus.
*FOR LAWS IN ALL 50 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State school immunization requirements and vaccine exemption laws. Published February 2022. Accessed January 7, 2025.

This page is up-to-date as of February 5, 2025, and based on vaccine guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual states may adopt their own vaccine policies and recommendations based on local public health assessments and regulatory frameworks. For the most up-to-date information, consult your state or local health department or your health care provider. Back to top