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Academy explains differences in timing of third polio vaccine dose

The Academy has received queries about why there is a difference among the Academy, American Academy of Family Physicians and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations regarding timing of the third dose of polio vaccine in the sequential IPV-OPV schedule.

In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration approved administration of the third dose of IPV as early as age 6 months. In previous years, IPV was approved for use at 2, 4 and 12 to 18 months of age only. Studies have shown that administration of IPV at 2 and 4 months followed by an OPV dose at 6 to 18 months of age is highly effective, inducing protective antibodies in 95 percent to 100 percent of children.^1,2