Title: Contraindications of OPV and adverse events
Course: Immunization - Ethiopia (Full)

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.

Category | Description
Type of vaccine | Live-attenuated antiviral vaccine
Number of doses | Four (referred to as OPV0, OPV1, OPV2 and OPV3), plus campaign doses
Schedule | At birth, 6, 10 and 14 weeks
Additional dose | If 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
Contraindications | None
Adverse events | Very rarely AFP; refer immediately to a health centre
Special precautions | None
Dosage | 2 drops
Administration route | Into the mouth (oral)
Storage | Store 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?

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