Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

Also known as: Polio Drops, bOPV

Type: Live Attenuated ViralAge group: 0 5 YearsDoses: 5Route: Oral DropsGovt. UIP: Yes

Oral polio drops given at birth and in infancy to keep India polio-free.

Protects against

Polio

Schedule

Birth dose, then 6, 10 and 14 weeks, booster at 16-24 months (UIP), plus pulse polio campaigns.

Possible side effects

Very rarely vaccine-associated paralysis

Who should not get it

Severe immune deficiency in the child or household contacts (doctor will advise)

Precautions

Give drops even if the child has mild diarrhoea; repeat dose if vomited within 30 minutes as advised.

Prevents

Polio

Frequently asked questions

What does the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) vaccine protect against?

Polio

What is the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) schedule?

Birth dose, then 6, 10 and 14 weeks, booster at 16-24 months (UIP), plus pulse polio campaigns.

What are the side effects of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)?

Very rarely vaccine-associated paralysis

Medically reviewed by

Medical review pending

Last updated

9 October 2026

Sources

Universal Immunization Programme schedule, MoHFW
IAP Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP)
WHO position papers

This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without medical advice.