Welcome to the world of baby vaccines! Let’s talk about OPV vaccine. This vaccine is highly recommended by pediatricians and healthcare professionals for children under 5 years old, specifically babies who are at high risk of contracting polio. In this article, we will take you through everything you need to know about OPV vaccine.
Polio is a rare but severe virus that can cause paralysis in children. The easiest way to protect your baby from polio is by getting them vaccinated with the Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV). Keep reading to learn more!
What is OPV?
First off, what does OPV mean? It stands for the Oral Poliovirus Vaccine. This particular type of vaccination comes in a liquid form and is administered orally using a dropper or syringe into the mouth/throat area.
One significant advantage of this mode of administration over others like injections/needles is that it eliminates any fears associated with needle pricks while also making sure there's no blood loss or cross-contamination during injection.
How does it work?
When your child swallows the orange flavoured drops, they're given live attenuated viruses. These are weakened forms of real viruses responsible for causing polio-namely species 1(OPV1),2(OP2),or 3(OP3).
The body responds by treating these as invaders(since they still contain features found on wild-type varieties) and creates immunity within itself against future actual viral infections Using tiny weak doses like those contained in vaccinations helps encourage an immune response without inducing illness- hence why live vaccines' side effects tend to be mild besides reducing disease incidence & circulation..
If someday down-the-line after being immunized(occasionally people do develop symptoms,but most times not),you unknowingly ingest wild-type variations,the ready defense mechanisms would kickstart preventing serious manifestation/poliovirus multiplication.
Why is it important to get OPV vaccinated?
Polio a viral infection that spreads via the faecal-oral route. Although rare, polio cases may still occur In some parts of Africa and Asia., which can cause lifelong paralysis in some affected infants without proper intervention.
Therefore, getting an OPV vaccination for your baby strengthens their immune system against the virus and minimizes spreading of disease amongst susceptible children.
It takes at least four doses to ensure full immunization(CDC). US companies provide requested 1st dose directly after birth then following by appointment,normally with two subsequent follow-up doses in between intervals thereafter,the final dose administered before age five years
By vaccinating your child, you're not only protecting them but also other babies who are too young to be vaccinated or those whose immunity has weakened. With infections like poliomyelitis, prevention is always better than treating symptoms themselves.(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccineschedule/schedule.html)
When should my baby receive OPV vaccine?
As new parents hearing news related about babies/children needing vaccinations frequently may seem overwhelming.-but hold on! Don't worry; we have good news!
The first three shots should be given within the first year—Monovalent Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) types: bivalent(OPVB) and Trivalent(OTPV)-given every regularly scheduled visit(controlled mainly by national schedules passed out by ministries of health/government bodies).
Doses #4(fourth shot aka booster)will be provided as either combination IPV(inactivated poliovirus or stand-alone formulation during/before preschool ages.). So don’t panic if you haven't received this yet– it'll come up eventually—and knowing where vaccinations take place will come much quicker as time passes alongside frequent doctor's appointments check-ups!
Seeing as multiple variations exist (though all function similarly), ensure to verify which types/brands are available within your area and their respective compositions from authorized health practitioners.
As with all vaccines, It's crucial for parents or guardians who administer OPV doses comply fully with the healthcare providers' schedules/timelines administering each dose.
What are some potential side effects?
While generally safe and effective like most speciality drugs/Vaccines,OPV product excesses may elicit some mild flu-like symptoms that tend to go way quickly(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/opv.html).
The chances of such after-effects happen in less than 1% of patients during trials or real-life observations."Almost always, children vaccinated can safety tolerate all above-stated immunizations". Symptoms include(VIS)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhoea etc.
Though not serious problematic effects(license suspending), you must immediately have opv dosage pair attention by doctors If they worsen into rashes/fighting breathing fits even when it appears as unrelated to vaccine administration at first glance.(cdc.gov/mmwr', "Adverse Events Associated With Childhood Vaccines", August 1996.)
Symptoms vary patient-to-patient depending on unique physical attributes hence following appointments/check-ups daily monitoring may evaluate early onset/symptoms management
How will My Baby Feel After Receiving the Vaccine?
It is normal for babies to feel irritable, sleepy/non-responsive(just comfortable/not feeling energetic),or show a little bit off feverishness alongside an injection site swelling briefly-During these days putting lots extra needed motherly care would help bring out utmost comfortability!(General feelings between doses tends towards repeat experience)
IVL deliveries will have fewer shortcomings fwiw) To reduce discomfort,making sure bottle feeding them frequently prior vaccination providing more constant inputs ensures enough hydration leading up.(Huffingtonpost.com)
Rest assured, your baby will recover quickly and be back to their playful self in no time if correctly administered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we cannot stress enough how significant it is to get Your baby vaccinated against polio. OPV vaccinations can provide protection from the virus that causes paralysis while preventing the spread of disease as well. Get them vaccinated with OPV vaccine using a reliable schedule determined via medical authorities near you!
So to all parents out there: Do not let fear cloud judgment; Vaccinate early!