Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under 5 years old. In severe cases, it can lead to lifelong paralysis or even death. While polio has been eradicated in many countries, the disease still exists in some parts of the world, and the risk of outbreaks remains.

The IPV vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, which means it contains a killed version of the poliovirus. This makes it safe and incapable of causing the disease. IPV is administered via injection given in the leg or the arm, depending on age. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against all three types of poliovirus. These antibodies provide protection if an individual is exposed to the live virus in the future.