oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), an attenuated preparation of live poliovirus that confers immunity to poliomyelitis. Also called Sabin vaccine. ▪ INDICATIONS: Replaced by inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), OPV supplies in the United States will be limited once existing supplies are depleted. It was routinely prescribed for immunization against poliomyelitis, but its use is now limited to treatment in areas with outbreaks of paralytic polio. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Immunosuppression, concomitant use of corticosteroids, cancer, immunoglobulin abnormalities, or acute infection prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects are uncommon. Cases of vaccine-induced paralytic disease have occurred but are very rare. Nonetheless, it is because of the risk of vaccine-induced paralytic poliomyelitis that an all-IPV immunization schedule is recommended for children in the United States.
