Source: WHO
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified an additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to strengthen global outbreak response.
About Novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2):
What it is?
- nOPV2 is a next-generation oral polio vaccine designed specifically to combat outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). It is used in outbreak response immunization campaigns across affected countries.
Developed by:
- The vaccine was developed under the framework of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Aim:
- To stop transmission of poliovirus type 2 during outbreaks.
- To reduce the risk of vaccine-derived virus mutations.
- To accelerate progress toward global polio eradication.
Key Features:
- Genetically more stable than older oral polio vaccines, lowering the risk of seeding new outbreaks.
- Suitable for all age groups in outbreak settings.
- Available in multi-dose vials (20 and 50 doses) for large-scale campaigns.
- Flexible storage conditions, aiding immunization drives in diverse field settings.
- WHO prequalification ensures compliance with international safety, quality and efficacy standards, enabling procurement by agencies like UNICEF.
Significance:
- Strengthens global vaccine supply and manufacturing resilience.
- Supports rapid outbreak containment in under-immunized populations.
- Contributes to declining wild polio cases and reduction in cVDPV2 transmission.
