How can countries ensure high population immunity levels, following OPV cessation?
A. Countries will have to determine for themselves which will be the most appropriate immunization policy to implement following OPV cessation, based on their perceived risks of infection. The two options currently available are either to stop all polio vaccination or to switch to IPV. A 2-dose IPV schedule may provide adequate population immunity. Research has been on-going in the development of new vaccines such as Sabin IPV, which may soon provide additional options for protection against polio. A supplement to the WHO position paper on the Introduction of IPV into OPV-using countries was recently published in the WER addressing the policy decisions necessary for the OPV Cessation era and the implications on immunity.
