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Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in Children: Essential Information for Parents Administration The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given as oral drops. It’s easy to administer and does not require an injection, making it ideal for mass immunization efforts.
Schedule At Birth: A birth dose is given soon after birth. Routine Doses: OPV is administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age as part of the standard immunization schedule. Booster Doses: Booster doses are given at 15-18 months and again at 5 years to ensure long-lasting protection.
Benefits of OPV Prevents Polio: OPV protects children from poliomyelitis (polio), a virus that can cause permanent paralysis and even death in severe cases. Herd Immunity: By vaccinating your child, you not only protect them but also help prevent the spread of polio in the community through herd immunity.
Lifelong Protection: When given on schedule, OPV provides long-term immunity, significantly reducing the risk of polio infection. Side Effects Mild Side Effects: OPV is very safe. Mild effects like nausea or vomiting are rare and typically resolve on their own.
Rare Risk of Vaccine-Derived Polio: In extremely rare cases, OPV can lead to vaccine-derived polio, but this risk is minimal compared to the benefits of preventing the natural disease. Polio has no cure, but it can be entirely prevented through timely vaccination. Make sure your child follows the OPV schedule to stay protected against this debilitating disease.