Which statement correctly describes IPV versus OPV?

• A. IPV is given orally
• B. OPV is given by injection
• C. IPV is given by injection and OPV is given orally
• D. Both are given orally

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is how the two vaccines are prepared and delivered. IPV is the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, so it uses killed virus and is given by injection. OPV is the oral poliovirus vaccine, which contains a live attenuated virus and is taken by mouth. This difference in formulation and route matters: IPV produces systemic immunity via the injected dose and cannot cause polio, while OPV promotes intestinal (m mucosal) immunity and is administered as drops to be swallowed. The statement that IPV is given by injection and OPV is given orally captures these fundamental distinctions, making it the correct description. The other options mix up the routes and don’t reflect how each vaccine is actually administered.