What are the general qualities of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)?

• A. IPV is a nasal spray that achieves mucosal immunity
• B. IPV is an oral vaccine that induces mucosal immunity
• C. IPV is an injectable vaccine that induces humoral immunity but does not provide intestinal immunity
• D. IPV is a subcutaneous implant that generates durable immunity

Answer: (C)

IPV is an inactivated vaccine given by injection. It works by stimulating the production of neutralizing antibodies in the blood, which provide humoral immunity that protects against poliomyelitis, especially the Paralysis form, if the person is exposed. However, because it is inactivated, IPV does not effectively induce mucosal immunity in the gut. That means it doesn’t reliably block poliovirus replication in the intestinal tract or reduce stool shedding, so transmission can continue even among vaccinated individuals. In short, IPV provides strong systemic protection against disease but little intestinal immunity, and it is administered by injection rather than by nasal spray or oral route.