Poliovirus Vaccination in Adults

Efficacy and Safety

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that OPV can generate protective immunity in the adult population, producing both systemic and mucosal immunity when administered to adults 1
For adults who previously completed a primary OPV series and require a booster, a single dose of OPV can be administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 3
In urgent situations where less than 4 weeks is available before protection is needed, a single dose of OPV can provide rapid immunity, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1

The risk of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis is slightly higher in adults than in children receiving OPV, with an approximate risk of 1 case per 1.4 million first doses and 1 case per 41.5 million subsequent doses in immunologically normal vaccinees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 4, 5, 6
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that immunocompromised adults, immunosuppressed adults, healthcare workers, and laboratory personnel handling poliovirus specimens should not receive OPV due to the risk of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis and viral shedding 4, 5, 6, 7

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend that IPV is the preferred vaccine for all adult vaccination scenarios, including unvaccinated adults at increased risk, previously vaccinated adults needing a booster, and travelers to endemic areas 2, 8
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that if immediate protection is needed during pregnancy, OPV may be recommended despite theoretical concerns, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 6, 7