What should you know about OPV, IPV, and polio?

OPV means oral polio vaccine and is given by mouth. IPV means inactivated polio vaccine and is given by injection. They use different vaccine approaches, but both are designed to prepare immune defences against poliovirus, which can affect the nervous system and cause weakness or paralysis.

Protection is built through the recommended immunisation schedule. The exact product, timing, and combination with other vaccines can depend on age, previous doses, health, travel, and local guidance. A missed dose does not automatically mean the series must start again; a clinician can review the record.

Keep the child’s or adult’s vaccination record and share it at every consultation. Tell the vaccinator about previous reactions, severe allergies, immune problems, pregnancy, current illness, and any vaccines received elsewhere. Follow the appointment plan and ask how a delayed dose should be caught up.

After vaccination, mild soreness, tiredness, or a low fever may occur. Follow the clinician’s advice for comfort and observe the person as recommended at the clinic. Do not give a vaccine dose borrowed from another person or use an unverified record.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, or a rapidly spreading allergic reaction after any vaccine. Contact a clinician about a severe or persistent reaction, or if a child is unusually difficult to wake or is becoming increasingly unwell. A healthcare professional can also advise when illness should postpone a planned dose.

Ask whether OPV or IPV is due, which doses are already documented, and what schedule applies to your age or travel plans. Ask about catch-up options, expected reactions, and which symptoms after vaccination need urgent attention.