Polio vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active immunity against poliomyelitis, caused by poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3. In India, both Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) are used as part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). IPV is an injectable, killed virus vaccine, while OPV is an oral, live-attenuated vaccine. India was declared polio-free by the WHO in 2014, and vaccination continues to maintain this status. The current schedule in India emphasizes the use of IPV for its safety profile in eradicating the wild virus while minimizing the risk of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV).
Adult: Primary series: 3 doses of IPV (0.5 ml each) intramuscularly, with the second dose 1-2 months after the first, and the third dose 6-12 months after the second. Booster: A single booster dose of IPV if at risk. Previously vaccinated adults need one lifetime booster if traveling to endemic areas.
Note: IPV: Shake vial/pre-filled syringe well. Administer 0.5 ml by intramuscular injection, preferably in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (infants) or deltoid muscle (older children/adults). Do not inject intravenously, intradermally, or subcutaneously. OPV: Administer 2 drops (approx. 0.1 ml) orally directly from the multidose vial. Do not mix with food or water. If the child vomits or spits out within 10 minutes, a single repeat dose may be given.
The vaccine introduces poliovirus antigens (inactivated or live-attenuated) into the body. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) process and present these antigens to helper T cells, which activate B lymphocytes. Activated B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce virus-specific neutralizing antibodies (mainly IgG in serum for IPV, and IgA in gut mucosa for OPV). These antibodies prevent viral attachment and entry into host cells (neurons for paralytic disease, intestinal cells for replication). IPV induces strong systemic humoral immunity, preventing viremia and neural invasion. OPV induces both systemic and intestinal mucosal immunity, providing herd immunity by inhibiting gut replication and fecal shedding.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is not a contraindication for IPV if immediate protection is needed (e.g., travel to an endemic area). IPV is preferred over OPV. OPV is generally contraindicated in pregnancy due to theoretical risk to the fetus, though no adverse outcomes have been documented. Risk vs benefit must be assessed by a physician.
Driving: No effect.
| Immunosuppressive Agents (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, chemotherapy, biologics) | Diminished immune response to the vaccine. May lead to vaccine failure or, with OPV, increased risk of VAPP. | Major |
| Other Live Vaccines (e.g., Rotavirus, MMR, Yellow Fever) | If not administered simultaneously, a gap of at least 4 weeks is recommended between two live vaccines to avoid interference. OPV is a live vaccine. | Moderate |
| Antiviral Medications active against enteroviruses | Theoretical interference with the replication of live OPV, potentially reducing immunogenicity. | Minor |
Same composition (Polio Vaccine (NA)), different brands: