INACTIVATED POLIOMYELITIS VACCINE (IPV)

Indications

• Prevention of poliomyelitis, alone or in combination with the oral poliomyelitis vaccine (bOPV)

Composition, forms, route of administration

• Inactivated virus vaccine, trivalent (poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3)
• Suspension for injection in multidose vial, for IM injection into the anterolateral part of the thigh in children < 2 years or deep SC injection into the deltoid muscle in children ≥ 2 years and adults

Dosage and vaccination schedule

• bOPV + IPV schedule
  Child: 0.5 ml single dose at 14 weeks, in combination with a dose of bOPV
• IPV only schedule
  Child: 3 doses of 0.5 ml approximately 4 weeks apart, at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age and a booster dose at least 6 months after the 3^rd dose

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Vaccination should be postponed in the event of severe acute febrile illness (minor infections are not contra-indications).
• May cause: mild local reaction (pain, redness at the injection site), fever; exceptionally, anaphylactic reaction.
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• Protection against poliomyelitis lasts for life after 4 doses.
• In children who start routine vaccination late (after the age of 3 months), the dose of IPV is administered together with the 1^st dose of bOPV, followed by 2 doses of bOPV alone administered 4 weeks apart.
• If there is a shortage of IPV the intradermal route is an alternative, if the operator is experienced in this administration technique. The vaccination schedule is: 2 doses of 0.1 ml at 6 and 14 weeks of age (the 2 doses must be administered at least 4 weeks apart).
• Certain countries have vaccination schedules for children and adults that use only the injectable vaccine and include booster doses: follow national recommendations.

Storage