Inactivated poliovirus type 1, inactivated poliovirus type 2, inactivated poliovirus type 3 (IPV)

Inactivated poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 are the three distinct serotypes of poliovirus rendered non-infectious by chemical inactivation (commonly with formaldehyde), used in the formulation of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Each serotype is antigenically unique and immunity to one does not protect against the others, so all three are included in the vaccine. IPV is administered by injection and stimulates an immune response without risk of causing polio. It has played a critical role in global polio eradication efforts and is distinguished from oral polio vaccines, which use live, attenuated virus and carry rare risks of vaccine-derived polio. IPV contains no live virus, is incapable of causing disease or viral transmission, and is considered the safest polio vaccine.

Other names

Inactivated poliovirus vaccineIPVtrivalent IPVSalk vaccine

Administration of IPV presents inactivated viral antigens to the immune system, eliciting development of antibodies against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3