What is the difference between OPV and IPV?

OPV is given as oral drops and uses a live, weakened form of the virus. IPV is an injection that uses a killed virus. Both protect against polio; India uses both together for complete protection.

Can OPV be given if the baby has diarrhoea?

If a baby has severe diarrhoea or is vomiting, the dose may not be absorbed properly. Your pediatrician may advise repeating it. For a mild stomach upset, the dose is usually still given.

OPV Vaccine: Schedule & Side Effects

Protects against: Polio
How given: Oral drops, given by mouth, no injection.
Doses: A birth dose followed by doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with boosters later in infancy.
Reactions: Usually mild

About this vaccine

The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is given as drops by mouth and protects against the poliovirus. Because it is easy to administer and spreads immunity through communities, OPV has been central to global polio eradication efforts. It is given at birth and repeated several times in early infancy, often alongside the injectable IPV.

What it protects against

PolioA viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis in young children.

When it's given

IndiaGovernment of India · 2026

BirthOPV 0
6 weeksDose 2
10 weeksDose 3
14 weeksDose 4
9 monthsDose 5
16–18 monthsBooster

View full schedule

IndiaIndian Academy of Pediatrics · 2026

BirthOPV 0
6 weeksDose 2
10 weeksDose 3
14 weeksDose 4
18 monthsBooster

View full schedule

PhilippinesDepartment of Health Philippines · 2026

6 weeksDose 1
10 weeksDose 2
14 weeksDose 3

View full schedule

Ages follow the schedules listed above. Your pediatrician may adjust timing for your child.

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How it's given

Oral drops, given by mouth, no injection.

Side effects & safety

OPV is very well tolerated. Babies may swallow it without any noticeable reaction. Serious adverse events are extremely rare.

How babies usually reactUsually mild

Most babies have little or no reaction. Any soreness or fever tends to be brief.

When to call your doctor: if fever exceeds 40°C, lasts more than 2 days, or your child seems unusually unwell.

Alternatives & related vaccines

IPVAn injectable vaccine that protects against polio.Vaccine guide

Common questions

Sources

Polio vaccines: WHO position paper · WHO, 2016.

Information on this page is compiled from authoritative public health sources and written in TinyDose's own voice. It is intended for general understanding only. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance.

Other vaccines

BCG DTaP DTwP Pentavalent All vaccines

From the blog

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This information is provided by TinyDose for general understanding only and is not medical advice. Vaccine names, ages and doses can vary by country, brand and individual circumstances. Always follow the guidance of your pediatrician or local health authority for your child’s vaccination schedule.

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