Youre likely vaccinated already since polio was eradicated in the United States in the 1970s thanks to widespread vaccinations.
Many elementary schools or preschools also require polio vaccination for entry.
If you want to check your actual records, you might start by contacting your pediatricians office.
Verywell Health / Tara Anand
In New York City, you might request your recordsonline.
For people who immigrated to the U.S. or became permanent residents, the polio vaccine is a required vaccination.
For adults who have never been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting three doses of IPV.
Why Isnt There a National Vaccine Registry?
In the U.S., theres no national organization that maintains vaccination records, which makes tracking childhood vaccinations difficult.
If we had a national registry, everybody would have to have a number, Schaffner told Verywell.
People were so fearful of the government that they didnt want that.
Although theres no federal vaccine registry,most states keep vaccine recordsfor children.
Should You Get a Polio Booster?
If youve been vaccinated, we think that polio vaccine protection extends throughout life, Schaffner said.
I always tell the doctors: when in doubt, vaccinate, Schaffner said.
If you have any concerns, you should have individual conversations with your healthcare providers, he suggested.
If youve never been vaccinated against polio, you should get up-to-date with your vaccination per CDCs recommendations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Polio vaccination: what everyone should know.
