Introduction of sequential inactivated polio vaccine-oral polio vaccine schedule for routine infant immunization in...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Brazil introduced the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in August 2012.
• The introduction aimed to prevent vaccine-associated paralytic polio and support global polio eradication efforts.
• The decision considered financial sustainability and equitable access to IPV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a sequential polio vaccination schedule in Brazil.
• To evaluate the initial uptake and challenges associated with introducing IPV.
• To highlight the importance of continuous monitoring for vaccine coverage.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a sequential schedule: 2 doses of IPV (2, 4 months) followed by 2 doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) (6, 15 months).
• Maintenance of an annual national immunization day for OPV (children 6-59 months).
• Introduction of IPV integrated into a national multivaccination campaign.

Main Results:

• Rapid uptake of the new sequential polio vaccine schedule was achieved.
• Challenges were encountered with local vaccine supply, attributed to high wastage rates.
• The national immunization day continued to provide OPV to a large pediatric population.

Conclusions:

• The introduction of IPV into Brazil's routine immunization program was successful in achieving rapid uptake.
• Addressing vaccine supply chain inefficiencies and wastage is crucial for maintaining high coverage.
• Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the long-term success of the sequential polio vaccination strategy and progress towards polio eradication.