Sabin vaccine

Definition

The Sabin vaccine, also known as the oral polio vaccine (OPV), is an attenuated vaccine used to prevent poliomyelitis. It contains live but weakened poliovirus strains of all three serotypes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sabin vaccine is administered orally and can induce immunity in the intestinal tract, which helps prevent the spread of wild poliovirus.
2. It was developed by Albert Sabin and first licensed for use in 1961.
3. The vaccine provides lifelong immunity after multiple doses and has been instrumental in reducing global polio cases.
4. Because it contains live viruses, there is a small risk that it can cause vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) in rare cases.
5. The Sabin vaccine has largely been replaced by the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in many countries due to safety concerns associated with VDPV.

Review Questions

Related terms

Poliomyelitis:

A viral infection that can cause paralysis by affecting the nervous system.

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): A polio vaccine containing killed virus, administered via injection.

Albert Sabin: The microbiologist who developed the oral polio vaccine.