Poliomyelitis vaccine, simply known as polio vaccine (PV) is a drug consists of a mixture of live, attenuated (weakened) poliovirus strains. This vaccine was introduced way back 1995, the time when Polio has been eradicated in the US.
That is why, the polio vaccination remains one of the recommended childhood immunizations.
How does Poliomyelitis Vaccine or PV works?
The OPV produces antibodies in the blood. When infection sets in, these antibodies protect against paralysis by preventing the spread of the wild poliovirus to the nervous system.
OPV also produces a local, mucosal immune response in the mucous membrane of intestines. In the event of an infection, these mucosal antibodies limit the replication of the virus inside the intestine. This intestinal immune response to OPV is thought to be the main reason why mass campaigns with OPV can rapidly stop person-to-person transmission of wild poliovirus.
- 1 dose at 2 months
- 1 dose at 4 months
- 1 dose at 6-18 months
- 1 booster dose at 4-6 years
Who should not get the vaccine?
- the ones who suffered from a severe allergic reaction from a previous dose of the polio vaccine.
- the ones who are allergic with antibiotics (neomycin and streptomycin)
Are there any side effects of Polio vaccine?
Some may get rashes or redness on the skin, where the shot has given and some may develop severe allergic reaction with the drug. If moderate or severe adverse reactions occur, it is better to contact your physician.
Although, there are certain side effects with the polio vaccine, it is still beneficial to get the vaccine rather than contracting the disease itself.
Image Credits: polioeradication, pakistantoday, thestar
