Who should administer IPV to ensure safety?

• A. Patients themselves
• B. Family members
• C. Trained health workers
• D. Pharmacists

Answer: (C)

The safety of IPV administration depends on proper technique, handling, and monitoring, which trained health workers are equipped to perform. IPV is given as an intramuscular injection and must be delivered with sterile technique, using the correct site and dose. They ensure the cold chain is maintained, and if reconstitution is needed, it’s done aseptically and accurately. They also screen for contraindications and potential allergies to vaccine components, such as trace amounts of neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B, and assess whether vaccination is appropriate given the person’s current health. After vaccination, they observe for and know how to manage rare immediate adverse reactions, like anaphylaxis, and they document and report any events. These safety-critical steps are why trained health workers are the best choice to administer IPV.