In the context of polio eradication, India was certified polio-free in 2014. The current strategy includes Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). The rationale for introducing fractional dose IPV (fIPV) intradermally is:

• A Intradermal route eliminates the need for cold chain completely
• B fIPV is superior to OPV in preventing vaccine-derived poliovirus
• C fIPV is given orally and avoids injection-related adverse events
• D One-fifth the dose administered intradermally produces comparable immunogenicity to the full IM dose, reducing costs and antigen consumption ✓

Explanation

Fractional dose IPV (fIPV) is 0.1 mL given intradermally (ID) versus the standard 0.5 mL intramuscular dose. Studies (including in India) show that 1/5th dose ID elicits comparable seroconversion rates to the full IM dose, due to the immunologically rich dermis (rich in antigen-presenting dendritic cells). This approach reduces antigen usage by 80%, making global polio eradication more cost-effective. Cold chain requirements remain; fIPV is still injectable. fIPV is not oral.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.