Contraindications of OPV and adverse events
OPV is a very safe vaccine and there is no contraindication to prevent giving it. Serious adverse reactions to OPV are very rare: acute flaccid paralysis has been reported in approximately one child in every 1–10 million children who have been vaccinated with OPV.
Summary of oral polio vaccine (OPV) immunization characteristics.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Type of vaccine | Live-attenuated antiviral vaccine |
Number of doses | Four (referred to as OPV0, OPV1, OPV2 and OPV3), plus campaign doses |
Schedule | At birth, 6, 10 and 14 weeks |
Additional dose | If the child spits or vomits after OPV, repeat the dose immediately; if the child has diarrhoea, give a fifth dose at least 4 weeks after the scheduled fourth dose |
Contraindications | None |
Adverse events | Very rarely AFP; refer immediately to a higher health facility |
Special precautions | None |
Dosage | 2 drops |
Administration route | Into the mouth (oral) |
Storage | Store between +2°C and +8°C (may be frozen for long-term storage) |
What should you do if a baby vomits immediately after being given the oral polio vaccine?
Show answer
You should repeat the dose immediately; it is quite safe to give the baby an extra dose of OPV.
Last modified: Saturday, 24 May 2014, 2:27 PM