Oral Polio Vaccine

Oral Polio Vaccine is given by injection by a doctor or nurse. It is given as FIPV (Fractional IPV) as a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme in the country. Two fractional doses of IPV are given to children at 6 and 14 weeks of age.

Oral Polio Vaccine may cause mild fever and soreness and redness at the site of the injection for several days. It may also cause vomiting and diarrhea in some children. They do not normally last very long. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you.

Before having the injection, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vaccine. Some other medicines may react with the polio vaccine so talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking.

Prevention of Polio

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Oral Polio Vaccine may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Oral Polio Vaccine contains inactivated (killed) viruses of all three poliovirus types (I, II & III). It works by provoking the the immune system to produce antibodies (proteins), without actually causing a disease. In the event of infection, these antibodies prevent the spread of the virus to the brain and protect against paralysis.

If you miss a dose of Oral Polio Vaccine, please consult your doctor.

Oral Polio Vaccine is given for the prevention of polio disease.

Oral Polio Vaccine must be administered by oral route only, by using an oral dropper supplied with the vaccine vial.

Inform your doctor if your child is suffering from a high fever or any acute illness.

Q. What is Oral Polio Vaccine used for?

Oral Polio Vaccine contains live attenuated poliovirus (strain types 1, 2 and 3) and is intended for polio prophylaxis in infants 6-12 weeks of age, all unimmunized children up to 18 years of age and high-risk adults. Adults, however, should receive the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV).

Q. What are the different types of polio vaccines?

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

Q. Is Oral Polio Vaccine necessary?

Yes, polio virus attacks the nervous system which can lead to paralysis, especially of lower limbs. Therefore, it is important to get Oral Polio Vaccine as it provides protection against this virus.

Q. Is Oral Polio Vaccine better than inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)?

No, IPV is considered more effective than Oral Polio Vaccine. Although, it is expensive and relatively difficult to administer. It was seen that giving Oral Polio Vaccine alone led to more cases of polio when compared to Oral Polio Vaccine because it is a live form of the virus. Therefore, in order to prevent polio outbreaks, Oral Polio Vaccine is the preferred form of polio vaccine.

In Prevention of Polio

Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. Poliovirus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. Oral Polio Vaccine protects against poliomyelitis causing poliovirus. The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) viruses of all three poliovirus types (I, II, and III). It works by helping the immune system to produce antibodies that prevent the spread of the virus to the brain and protect against paralysis.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Diarrhea

Fever

Vomiting

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Oral Polio Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Information regarding the use of Oral Polio Vaccine during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Information regarding the use of Oral Polio Vaccine during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.Oral Polio Vaccine is not indicated for use in adults.

Driving:SAFE

Oral Polio Vaccine does not usually affect your ability to drive.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Oral Polio Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Oral Polio Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Oral Polio Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Oral Polio Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher’s & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. pp. 191-93.

ScienceDirect. Oral Poliomyelitis Vaccine. view

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation . view