Diphtheria and inactivated polio vaccine have also been used extensively.

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Children should receive four doses of inactivated polio vaccine, delivered as an injection, at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years, according to the CDC.

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All the component parts of the vaccine are inactivated, killed, so they can't cause the diseases they are protecting against.

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The flu vaccine is comprised of killed or inactivated virus (three most likely strains of flu virus based on predictions from the previous flu season).

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The two types of vaccine that have been approved -- a flu shot made from inactivated or dead virus and a nasal spray made from live, weakened virus -- will be available free of charge, though some providers may charge an "administration fee, " Sebelius said.

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