Polio Vaccines

Essay by daj0ka August 2006

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There are two polio vaccines that are used throughout the world today. There is the oral polio vaccine and the injected polio vaccine. The injection vaccine was invented first. It was invented by Jonas Salk and first tested in 1952. It was announced to the world on April 12, 1955. The second vaccine was invented by Albert Sabin. This vaccine was the oral one. The oral vaccine was a scientific breakthrough at that time. The vaccine was began testing in 1957 and was introduced to the world in 1962.

The Oral Polio Vaccine was much more fit for the younger polio victims. Most polio victims were young children but most complication with polio was with the older people who had polio. Babies and young children must take their polio vaccines and their booster to prevent them from getting the disease. The Injected Polio Vaccine also known as IPV can be given at 2, 4, and 12-18 months, and 4-6 years.

The Oral Polio Vaccine also known as OPV can be given at 2, 4, and 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. Parents and doctors can choose among the three schedules.

The oral polio vaccine was a major advancement in the 1960s science world. It was a medical breakthrough during the 60s. Children had to wait until they were at least two years old to get the Injected Polio Vaccine because the needle was very big, but with the oral vaccine children could take it at a younger age which prevented them at an early age of getting polio. Both Injected and Oral Polio Vaccine are still used today. Parents can choose which vaccine they want their child to take. There is a schedule for their vaccine and boosters. The invention of the Oral Polio Vaccine has definitely slowed down the rate...