OPV stands for Oral Polio Vaccine. This safe and highly effective vaccine is the most commonly used type in the global fight to eradicate polio.
Understanding the Oral Polio Vaccine
The OPV is a crucial tool in preventing poliomyelitis (polio), a debilitating and potentially fatal disease. Different versions of the OPV exist, offering protection against one, two, or all three serotypes (types 1, 2, and 3) of the poliovirus. [Source: polioeradication.org]
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Types of OPV: There are monovalent OPVs (mOPV1, mOPV2, mOPV3), each targeting a specific poliovirus type, and a bivalent OPV (bOPV) which protects against types 1 and 3. [Source: who.int]
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Mechanism: The OPV contains live, weakened (attenuated) poliovirus. When administered orally, it triggers an immune response without causing illness, providing immunity against polio. [Source: sciencedirect.com]
While highly effective, the OPV has been phased out in many regions due to the rare but serious risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is now preferred in many vaccination schedules. [Source: cdc.gov]
- Note: While OPV can also stand for other things, as shown by results for "OPV" in real estate appraisal, in the context of vaccines, it unequivocally refers to the oral polio vaccine. [Source: revenue.ky.gov]
