Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is a vaccine that helps protect against poliovirus, which can cause paralysis. It contains weakened, live viruses that stimulate the immune system to develop protective antibodies without causing disease. OPV is administered as drops in the mouth, making it easy to give, especially in mass vaccination campaigns. It is highly effective in preventing polio transmission in communities, and its use has played a major role in reducing global cases. However, in rare instances, the weakened virus can regain strength and cause vaccine-derived poliovirus, which is why careful monitoring is essential.