Should India Revert to Injectable Polio Vaccine?

Should India switch back to the injectable polio vaccine (IPV) from the oral polio vaccine (OPV) following recent cases of vaccine-derived polio? It’s a decision that demands urgent attention, especially since several nations, including the United States, have already transitioned entirely to IPV, abandoning OPV altogether. This move prioritises safeguarding children from the weakened polio virus strain present in OPV, which, in rare cases, can mutate and spread among under-immunised populations. Despite the slight difficulty in administration, IPV eliminates this risk. Many experts believe that adopting a stringent approach with the slightly more expensive IPV, rather than relying solely on two oral drops of OPV, is the need of the hour.

India, aspiring to be a global leader, must address this issue with utmost seriousness, particularly since a couple of vaccine-derived polio cases have already been reported. The latest incident surfaced in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills, where a two-year-old tested positive. While the Union Health Ministry maintains that this isolated case won’t impact India’s polio-free status, experts urge the government to act proactively. Given the virus’s highly infectious nature, complacency is dangerous, even if the risk of transmission has significantly decreased.

It’s worth recalling that India achieved a remarkable feat by being declared polio-free in 2014. This victory was attributed to the absence of naturally occurring poliovirus cases for three consecutive years. OPV played a pivotal role in this success, primarily due to its ease of administration. The government’s extensive door-to-door vaccination drives, often endorsed by prominent figures to address vaccine hesitancy, proved highly effective in reaching children under five.

However, when deciding between OPV and IPV, the government must prioritise maintaining public trust in vaccine efficacy, a hard-won battle spanning several years and multiple hurdles. The significant progress made should not be undermined. Instead, a pragmatic approach is should be taken. This includes vigilant monitoring of new cases, prompt action to prevent further transmission, and a thorough assessment of the most effective vaccination strategy for vulnerable children under five.