Replacement of oral polio vaccine (OPV) with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) - common questions & answers for the public
State and Territory information:
Questions and answers about changing the polio vaccine from an oral dose to an injection.
Why was oral polio vaccine replaced with inactivated polio vaccine?
What is VAPP and how serious is it?
Are IPV and OPV both effective?
At what ages should my child be vaccinated against polio?
Does this change mean my child will have to get an extra needle above what is already given at these ages?
Which vaccine combinations will my child receive?
Why was oral polio vaccine replaced with inactivated polio vaccine?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC). recommends the replacement of OPV with IPV on the basis that the risk of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) from OPV now exceeds the risk of catching naturally-occurring polio. This change in comparative risk has come about because polio has been eliminated from Australia, with no naturally-occurring polio cases reported here since 1978.What is VAPP and how serious is it?
Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) is poliomyelitis that occurs as a result of receiving oral polio vaccine (OPV). It is extremely rare, occurring on average once in every 2.4 million doses of vaccine delivered, but can result in significant, ongoing paralysis. IPV cannot cause VAPP. Like OPV, IPV protects against all three serotypes of poliovirus.Since IPV replaced OPV in the United States in 2000, cases of VAPP (previously 8 to 10 cases per year) have been eliminated and the US has remained polio-free. IPV provides protection against all naturally-occurring types of poliovirus worldwide.
Are IPV and OPV both effective?
Yes. A primary schedule of three doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age with a booster dose at 4 years of age with either vaccine will produce long-lasting immunity against polio.At what ages should my child be vaccinated against polio?
At 2, 4 and 6 months and at four years of age.If a child had an initial dose or doses of OPV before 1 November 2005, their remaining doses should be given as IPV as per the usual schedule.
Does this change mean my child will have to get an extra needle above what is already given at these ages?
No. A number of combination vaccines are available that contain IPV and these vaccines will be able to be used within the National Immunisation Program. This means that there will be no increase in the number of injections children will need to receive, above those already given at these ages.
Which vaccine combinations will my child receive?
That will be determined by the State or Territory in which you live. Contact your health care provider, doctor or State or Territory Health Department for more details.Page last modified: 08 April, 2008