The Polio Vaccine Menace: Should You Worry?
There has been a recent spurt in media regarding the
contamination of oral polio vaccine with type 2 poliovirus strain by a certain
vaccine manufacturer. The Director of the Company was arrested last Friday
after the CDSCO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare lodged an FIR. What
are the facts around it? Is it really something to worry about? Does the campaign
“DO BOOND JINDAGI KI” for compulsory polio
vaccination of kids require further investigation?
We understand the concern. This made us consult the experts and
find the answers.
What is the Background of Type 2
Polio Virus Strain?
Polio vaccines were prepared using three poliovirus strains:
types 1, 2 and 3, in the past. However, August 2016 onwards, it was decided by
the Government of India to withdraw the type 2 strain based on its
epidemiological significance.
So, a large number of children received the same strain that had
been used under the National Immunization Program for long in the past, before
the Government decided to withdraw it.
What Can We Do in This Regard?
While Government Authorities are investigating and digging deep
into this issue, what we must know as parents? Here is what experts have to
say:
First and foremost, there is no need to panic and worry! This vaccine (the one with type 2 strain of poliovirus) had been used for mass immunization program in our country for
many years until it was withdrawn in 2016. Also, chances of being infected
by poliovirus are almost close to negligible as the
vaccine carries the virus in the
dormant state which can only help us build immunity against polio.
However, we always want to be 110% sure when it comes to our
kids’ health and safety! That said, we should practice some extra precautionary
measures.
Top Pediatricians across the
country state following recommendations:
1. If your child is already vaccinated with IPV (Injectable Polio
Vaccine), there is no need to take any further step as your child is already
immunized.
2. If your child is being administered only OPV (Oral Polio
Vaccine), it is recommended to get a shot of IPV to ensure complete
immunization cover. The recommended schedule of IPV administration is as
follows:
– For child < 6 months of age: 3 doses
of IPV 4-6 weeks apart, along with a booster dose at age of 1.5 years.
– For child > 6 months and
< 1 year of age: 2 doses of IPV 4-6 weeks apart, along with a booster dose at
age of 1.5 years.
– For child > 1 year and <
1.5 years of age: 1 dose of IPV followed by 1 booster dose 1.5 years of age
with a minimum of 4 weeks gap between the two doses.
– For child > 1.5 years of
age: 1 booster dose of IPV.
The above mentioned schedule is based on the recommendations of
the experts consulted. However, one should always visit a pediatrician before
the suggested vaccination.
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Lalit
Kanodia, General Physician)
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