Polio vaccination

Polio Vaccination

The Polio Vaccination is a preventive measure against the poliomyelitis disease, commonly known as polio. Polio is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which can result in paralysis and death. The polio vaccination is a critical tool in the global effort to eradicate polio.

History

The first successful polio vaccine was developed by Jonas Salk in the 1950s. This vaccine, known as the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), is given by injection. A few years later, Albert Sabin developed an oral polio vaccine (OPV) that is swallowed. Both vaccines have played a crucial role in reducing the incidence of polio worldwide.

Types of Polio Vaccines

There are two types of polio vaccines: the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and the oral polio vaccine (OPV). The IPV contains inactivated (killed) poliovirus and is given by injection. The OPV contains weakened poliovirus and is given orally. Both vaccines induce immunity to all three types of poliovirus, thus preventing the disease.

Administration

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all children receive polio vaccination to prevent the disease. The IPV is usually given in four doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. The OPV is given in several doses, usually at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6-18 months, and a booster dose at 4-6 years.

Efficacy and Safety

Both the IPV and OPV are highly effective at preventing polio. They have been used in the global polio eradication effort, which has reduced the incidence of polio by over 99% since 1988. The vaccines are generally safe, with serious side effects being very rare.

Global Polio Eradication Initiative

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public-private partnership led by national governments and spearheaded by the WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Its goal is to eradicate polio worldwide. Polio vaccination is a key strategy in this initiative.

See Also

• Vaccination
• Infectious Diseases
• World Health Organization
• Public Health