Polio vaccine

Polio vaccine in the DRC (8330379372)

Polio vaccines are immunizations designed to protect against poliomyelitis, commonly referred to as polio. Two principal types of this vaccine exist: an inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), administered via injection, and an oral polio vaccine (OPV), which involves a weakened poliovirus consumed orally. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly advocates for all children to be comprehensively vaccinated against polio. Poliomyelitis, an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, was once a major health issue, causing paralysis and death worldwide. The advent of polio vaccines has significantly curbed its incidence, nearly eradicating the disease in many parts of the world.

Types of Vaccines

Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)

The IPV, administered through injection, contains inactivated (killed) poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus without causing the disease. IPV is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the United States since 2000.

Oral Polio Vaccine

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

OPV consists of a weakened form of the poliovirus that is taken orally. This weakened virus replicates in the intestine, triggering a protective immune response. Though OPV is not used in the United States, it is still used in many parts of the world.

Polio worldwide 2019

Impact

Through global vaccination initiatives, polio vaccines have eradicated polio from a large portion of the world. In 1988, the estimated number of polio cases was around 350,000; by 2018, this number plummeted to 33, signifying the tremendous impact of these vaccines.

WHO Recommendations and Essential Medicines List

The WHO considers polio vaccines vital in its mission to completely eradicate polio. As such, it advocates for all children, especially those under the age of five, to receive polio vaccination.

Furthermore, the polio vaccine is included on the WHO's List of Essential Medicines, indicating its importance in a basic healthcare system.

See Also

• Poliomyelitis
• World Health Organization
• Vaccine

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