The polio vaccine reduces the infection rate towards polio in the public. There are two types of polio vaccines available, the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).

Oral polio vaccine (OPV):

Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is a live-attenuated vaccine. OPV is developed from weekend live polio germs. It is administered through oral route as drops in the mouth that are swallowed.  

Recommended age of administration:

The usual schedule for infants is a series of six doses it is given at the time of birth, 6 weeks after birth, 10 weeks after birth, 14 weeks after birth, 6months, and 9 months. And first booster dose is given at 18months and second booster at 5years.

Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV):

This vaccine is prepared from dead polio germs. It is administered through intra venal route or intra muscular route. Depending on the person’s age, the shot may be given into the leg or arm. IPV is the polio vaccine recommended in most of the common wealth countries. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines. The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 6 weeks, 10weeks and 14 weeks if opv is not given.