Oral polio vaccine

Oral Polio Vaccine

The Oral Polio Vaccine (pronounced: /ˈɔːrəl ˈpoʊlioʊ vækˈsiːn/), often abbreviated as OPV, is a type of vaccine used to prevent poliomyelitis (pronounced: /ˌpoʊlioʊmaɪˈaɪlɪtɪs/). The term originates from the Latin vaccinus meaning "of or from the cow" due to the early practice of using cowpox to immunize against smallpox, and the Greek polios meaning "grey", referring to the grey matter of the spinal cord affected by the polio virus.

History

The OPV was developed by Albert Sabin in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was licensed for use in the United States in 1962. The vaccine is made from a weakened form of the polio virus that is taken orally, hence the name.

Usage

OPV is used worldwide in the fight against polio. It is preferred over the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in many areas because it is easier to administer and provides community immunity.

Effectiveness

OPV is highly effective in providing immunity against all three types of polio virus. It also helps to stop the spread of the virus in the community.

Side Effects

Like all vaccines, OPV can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own. In rare cases, the vaccine can cause vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP).

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Oral polio vaccine