Inactivated poliovirus vaccine induces the production of neutralizing antibodies against each type of virus. Administration of the second dose results in rapid increase of antibody levels indicating existance of immunological memory. IPV is able to induce secretory antibody (IgA) produced in the pharynx and gut and reduces pharyngeal excretion of poliovirus.

Each dose (0.5 ml) of trivalent vaccine containes:

• Inactivated salk polio virus type 1: 40 DU
• Inactivated salk polio virus type 2: 8 DU
• Inactivated salk polio virus type 3: 32 DU
• 2-phenoxyethanol: 2.5 mg
• Formaldehyde: 12.5 mcg
• Sodium phosphate buffer: 0.04 ml
• Dilution solution: 0.04 ml
• Water for injection: q.s

Primary active immunization: Poliomyelitis vaccine is indicated for active immunization of infants, children and adults for the prevention of poliomyelitis caused by poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3. It is recommended that all infants, unimmunized children and adolescents not previously immunized be vaccinated routinely against paralytic poliomyelitis.

Immune deficiency and altered immune status: Patients with immuno-deficiencies status are at a greater risk of developing paralysis when exposed to poliovirus. Oral polio vaccine is contraindicated in such a patient.

Altered immune states due to disease and compromised immune system due to treatment with corticosteroids should be immunized with IPV according to the dosage schedule. Patients with altered immune status may or may not develop protective immune response after administration of IPV.

Primary dose schedule of polio vaccine (IPV) along with OPV:

• At birth- OPV;
• At 6th week- IPV+OPV;
• At 10th week- IPV+OPV;
• At 14th week- IPV+OPV;
• At 15-18th months- IPV+OPV;
• At 4-5 years- OPV.

Polio vaccine (IPV) alone:

• 1st dose- at 2 months
• 2nd dose- at 4 months
• 3rd dose- at 6-18 months
• Booster dose- at 4-6 years.

After preparation of the injection site, immediately administer 0.5 ml of polio vaccine intramuscularly. For patients with thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders, the injection should be given subcutaneously. Lateral aspect of the mid thigh is the preferred site in infants and small children. In older children and adults, it should be administered in deltoid area. Shake well before use. Do not administer vaccine intravenously.

Polio vaccine should not be administered to subjects with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, or to subjects that have shown any signs of hypersensitivity after previous administration of IPV vaccine. Vaccination of persons with an acute, febrile illness should be deferred until recovery.

Following vaccine administration, a mild erythematous reaction and induration has been observed at the site of injection, in rare cases. In a few instances, the erythema may be accompanied by moderate fever.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.