1 May 2026Vaccines, immunoglobulins and antisera
Inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV)
IPV guidance for prevention of poliomyelitis, alone or alongside oral poliomyelitis vaccine schedules.
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Indications
Prevention of poliomyelitis, alone or in combination with the oral poliomyelitis vaccine (bOPV).
Composition, forms, route of administration
- Inactivated trivalent virus vaccine against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3.
- Suspension for injection in multidose vial, for IM injection into the anterolateral part of the thigh in children under 2 years or deep SC injection into the deltoid muscle in children 2 years and over and adults.
Dose and vaccination schedule
bOPV + IPV schedule
- Child: 0.5 ml single dose at 14 weeks, in combination with a dose of bOPV.
IPV only schedule
- Child: 3 doses of 0.5 ml approximately 4 weeks apart, at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, and a booster dose at least 6 months after the third dose.
Additional notes
- Protection against poliomyelitis lasts for life after 4 doses.
- In children who start routine vaccination late, after the age of 3 months, the IPV dose is administered together with the first dose of bOPV, followed by 2 doses of bOPV alone administered 4 weeks apart.
- If there is a shortage of IPV, the intradermal route is an alternative if the operator is experienced in this technique. The schedule is 2 doses of 0.1 ml at 6 and 14 weeks, at least 4 weeks apart.
- Certain countries use schedules for children and adults that rely only on injectable vaccine and include booster doses: follow national recommendations.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Vaccination should be postponed in the event of severe acute febrile illness; minor infections are not contra-indications.
- May cause mild local reaction such as pain or redness at the injection site, fever, and exceptionally anaphylactic reaction.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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