Two drops are given directly into the infant’s mouth from the plastic dropper bottle. If the drops are spat out or vomited the dose should be immediately repeated. It is not necessary to avoid either a bottle or breastfeed before or after giving the vaccine.
Usually, the trivalent vaccine, which includes types 1, 2 and 3 polio virus is used. Live Sabin vaccine should not be given to immunosuppressed children, e.g. children with AIDS.
Usually, a single dose of polio vaccine is given at the same time as BCG after delivery and then a further 3 doses are given with DPT vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. Follow up doses (boosters) are given at 18 months and 5 years.