3.2.3  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. Table 3.1 summarises what you should know about OPV.

Table 3.1  Summary of oral polio vaccine (OPV) immunization characteristics.
CategoryDescription
Type of vaccineLive-attenuated antiviral vaccine
Number of dosesFour (referred to as OPV0, OPV1, OPV2 and OPV3), plus campaign doses
ScheduleAt birth, 6, 10 and 14 weeks
Additional doseIf 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
ContraindicationsNone
Adverse eventsVery rarely AFP; refer immediately to a health centre
Special precautionsNone
Dosage2 drops
Administration routeInto the mouth (oral)
StorageStore 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?

  • You should repeat the dose immediately; it is quite safe to give the baby an extra dose of OPV.

3.2.2  Storage, dosage, schedule and effectiveness of OPV

3.3  Measles vaccine