Oral Polio Vaccine - Indian moms | ExpatWoman.com
 

Oral Polio Vaccine - Indian moms

21
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 14:12

Hi, I would like to address a question to Indian moms here regarding the OPV which is given to babies in 7 doses back in India. Here in Dubai, however, the first dose is only given at 4 months in four doses. We intend to make a trip to India before that time and may even move back in a few years. Is it possible to get our baby immunized according to the Indian schedule for OPV, so that we may continue seamlessly when we move back? Thanks in advance!

21
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 14:56
Thanks kiwispers, we plan to travel only after 3 months so I think I'll share the Indian schedule with the ped at 2 months and see what she recommends.
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 13:08
When are you planning on traveling back? you could ask for the first dose at birth (or at your one week check-up) if you are going back before your baby is 2 months old, otherwise just start at 2 months as normal (its almost impossible your baby will be exposed in the first 2 months if you are in Dubai). Really just do what you feel comotable with, and perhaps find an Indian Pediatrician who will be familiar with the Indian immunisation schedule and can best advise you on what to do. I took the NZ schedule into my Pediatrician and she went though and explained all the reasons for the differences and helped me decide on our own schedule. Its a good way to find out how well you click with your Ped in general as the first one I saw wasn't interested in discussion and I quickly changed to one I felt was more approachable.
21
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 11:57
Well, the national immunization schedule in Dubai mentions OPV specifically, four doses in all. I was wondering whether I should ask the doc to give the first dose at birth, like they do back in India...
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 13:39
This is a good explanation, by a Doha Expat Dr Mom ;), being from India, you should really have the OPV, its not a cost thing. http://expatdoctormom.com/2010/11/when-it-comes-to-vaccinating-your-child-ipv-vs-opv-what-do-the-letters-mean/ <em>edited by kiwispiers on 16/08/2011</em>
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 13:34
actually I'm not sure if that is right DB. Qatar still give the OPV, the reason being it is MORE effective and there are expats here from countries where polio still exists. The reason first world countries give the IPV is that there is a lower risk of severe reaction and since Polio is unheard of, being slightly less effective isn't a problem. At least that is how it was explained to me by my Dr. Like any live vaccine, there is risk of transmission to immuno-compromised people (like someone having chemo etc)
21
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 12:09
Thanks for the explanation, designbabe! Will check with the doc before flying out.
142
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 12:05
The only reason the opv is still used in India is due to the cost implications involved in providing the safer IPV for free to the entire country. The original oral polio vaccine is not as effective and also has a risk of transmission ( hence they give so many doses) All first world countries have discontinued the use of opv and IPV is much safer ( not a live virus) and regularly given in dubai. you need fewer doses to achive immunity and there is no risk of transmission. Your baby might achieve the required immunity from lower doses- so there is no need to give 7 doses ... You can always check titers before you leave for India to check if you baby has required immunity to be sure <em>edited by designbabe on 16/08/2011</em>
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY