Oral Polio Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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What is the oral polio vaccine (OPV)?

The OPV is given to help prevent polio. Polio is a disease caused by a virus. The virus damages your brain and spinal cord. This can lead to paralysis or death. The virus is spread through direct contact or in droplets from a cough or sneeze. The OPV is given as drops in the mouth. The OPV has been replaced by the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in the United States.

Who should get the OPV?

Several types of the OPV are given. The type you get depends on which strain is most common in the area. OPV doses may be given to the following:

• Children who have not received any polio vaccine and who are living in or traveling to a high-risk area
• Large group vaccination programs to control a current polio sickness or outbreak

Who should not get the OPV or should wait to get it?

Do not get the OPV if you have had an allergic reaction to it. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or are in close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system. Your provider will tell you if it is safe for you to get the OPV. Wait to get the OPV if you are sick or have a fever on the vaccine appointment day.

What are the risks of the OPV?

You may still get polio, even after getting the vaccine. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
• ProQuad
• Rotarix
• RotaTeq
• rotavirus vaccine

Call your local emergency number if:

• Your mouth and throat are swollen.
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain or your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
• You feel like you are going to faint.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your face is red or swollen.
• You have hives that spread over your body.
• You feel weak or dizzy.
• You have severe muscle aches and spasms.
• You cannot move your arm or leg.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your muscles are weak.
• You have questions or concerns about the OPV.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

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