Which vaccine requires sterile injection procedures?

• A. OPV
• B. IPV
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the route of administration. Sterile injection procedures are required for vaccines given by injection because you need true aseptic technique to prevent introducing any pathogens into the body. The inactivated polio vaccine is delivered via intramuscular (or subcutaneous) injection, so it must be prepared and administered with sterile syringes, needles, and skin antisepsis. The oral polio vaccine, on the other hand, is given by mouth as a liquid or drop, so no injection is involved. While sterile handling is important for all vaccines, sterile injection procedures specifically apply to the injectable vaccine. Therefore, the vaccine that requires sterile injection procedures is the one given by injection.