What is the role of the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding IPV and OPV?

• A. They recommended expanded use of IPV and a transition away from OPV.
• B. They recommended exclusive OPV use.
• C. They recommended removing IPV from use.
• D. They recommended delaying any switch.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how a pediatric professional group guides polio vaccination strategy to balance safety and eradication goals. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends expanding the use of the inactivated polio vaccine and moving away from the oral polio vaccine. This matters because IPV is given as an inactivated shot and cannot cause polio; OPV uses a live attenuated virus and, in rare cases, can lead to vaccine-associated paralytic polio or shed and circulate as vaccine-derived poliovirus in under-vaccinated communities. By increasing IPV uptake and phasing out OPV, the aim is to maintain strong immunity while eliminating the tiny but real risk posed by OPV. In practice, this guidance supports an IPV-first/OPV-avoidant approach in routine schedules, which is why this option best fits.