Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Polio vaccines are vaccines used to prevent poliomyelitis (polio). There are two types of polio vaccines, inactivated poliovirus vaccine given by injection (IPV) and a weakened oral poliovirus vaccine given by mouth (OPV).

Inactivated Polio Vaccine is more effective than oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), despite being expensive and relatively difficult to administer. It was seen that giving oral polio vaccine (OPV) led to more cases of polio when compared to Inactivated Polio Vaccine because it is a live form of the virus. Therefore, in order to efficiently prevent polio outbreaks Inactivated Polio Vaccine is the preferred form of polio vaccine.

Children are usually advised 4 doses of Inactivated Polio Vaccine. The first dose is given at age of 2 months and then the next doses are given at 4 months, 6–18 months and 4–6 years, respectively. However, sometimes Inactivated Polio Vaccine is given in a combination vaccine along with other vaccines. In this case, a child might receive a fifth dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine. Adults, on the other hand, do not need to get vaccinated if they have already been vaccinated as a child.

Inactivated Polio Vaccine produces antibodies in the blood to all three types of poliovirus, type 1, 2 and 3. These antibodies prevent the spread of the virus to the central nervous system in an infected person and provide protection against paralysis.

Yes, Inactivated Polio Vaccine is a safe vaccine, whether used alone or in combination vaccines. No serious adverse effects have been reported with its use, only minor side effects can be observed in some cases. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.