Indicated for: prevention of poliomyelitis
Route of administration: oral
Substance: oral polio vaccine + live attenuated trivalent vaccine (vaccine)
ATC: J07BF02 (Antiinfectives for systemic use | Viral vaccines | Poliomyelitis vaccines)
The oral polio vaccine (OPV), trivalent live attenuated, is used to prevent poliomyelitis, a viral disease caused by three serotypes of the poliovirus. The vaccine contains attenuated forms of the virus, which stimulate the immune system to produce specific antibodies against them, providing long-term protection.
The vaccine is administered orally, usually in multiple doses, according to recommended vaccination schedules for children. OPV is preferred in some regions due to its ease of administration and its ability to induce both individual and community immunity by reducing the circulation of wild poliovirus.
Common side effects are rare and include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. In extremely rare cases, the vaccine may cause vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP).
The oral polio vaccine, trivalent live attenuated, has played a crucial role in the global reduction of polio cases and remains an important component of eradication programs in many countries.