Poliovirus vaccine

Poliovirus Vaccine

The Poliovirus Vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent poliomyelitis (polio), a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. There are two types of poliovirus vaccines: the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).

History

The first successful poliovirus vaccine was developed by Jonas Salk in the 1950s. This was the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), which is given by injection. Later, in the 1960s, Albert Sabin developed the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), which is taken by mouth.

Types of Poliovirus Vaccines

Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)

The IPV, also known as the Salk vaccine, contains inactivated (killed) poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types. It is given by injection and is used in many countries, including the United States.

Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV)

The OPV, also known as the Sabin vaccine, contains weakened poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types. It is taken by mouth and is used in many countries around the world.

Effectiveness and Side Effects

Both the IPV and OPV are highly effective at preventing polio. However, they can have side effects. The IPV can cause mild side effects such as redness or pain at the injection site. The OPV can cause mild side effects such as diarrhea.

Global Polio Eradication Initiative

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public-private partnership led by national governments with five partners - the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its goal is to eradicate polio worldwide.

See Also

• Vaccine
• Poliomyelitis
• Jonas Salk
• Albert Sabin
• Global Polio Eradication Initiative