Preparation for global introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine: safety evidence from the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 2000–12

Following more than 250 million inactivated poliovirus vaccine doses, 41792 adverse event reports were submitted; no new or unexpected vaccine safety problems were identified for fatal, non-fatal serious, and non-serious reports.

A related commentary discusses the findings of this study, and the impact of the introduction of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) in countries that are currently using the oral polio vaccine (OPV). The authors conclude that OPV-using countries must continue to keep a very high OPV coverage with all allowable serotypes until coordinated OPV cessation of each serotype. Countries differ with respect to their ability to support poliovirus transmission, and they should recognise that even high coverage with IPV-only might not prevent transmission of an imported wild poliovirus or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. All countries should remain prepared to use OPV if necessary for outbreak response.

 

The UK childhood immunisation schedule involves the use of the IPV