Polio vaccine

The vaccine contains several antigens: inactivated poliomyelitis viruses (three types of virus). It also contains: sucrose, amino acids, aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant, phenoxyethanol, trometamol, and traces of residues of the production process (neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B).

There are two types of polio vaccines:

  1. Inactivate polio vaccine (IPV): Contains killed polio viruses and given by injection. Killed vaccine is usually administered in combination with other vaccines.
  2. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is weakened live polio virus given in drops to the mouth.

Some countries use only killed vaccines. Other countries use also live vaccine.

WHO has recommended to stop using polio live vaccines during the next few years and continue only with the killed vaccine.

First dose of IPV at 6-8 weeks, two more doses at intervals 4-8 weeks.

One of the important protective measures regular hand washing to prevet transmission by "dirty hands".