Table 2: Significant events in polio immunisation practice in Australia

Year

Intervention

1955

The Salk inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV) became available

1956

Mass production of Salk vaccine began at Commonwealth Serum Laboratories*
3 doses of vaccine recommended for adults and children at one month intervals

1964

Sabin vaccine (live attenuated oral polio vaccine--OPV) approved after trials in Tasmania

1966

Sabin vaccine (schedule of 3 doses) recommended for unvaccinated individuals and those previously vaccinated with IPV

1982

4^th dose of vaccine recommended for children prior to school entry or at 5 years of age

1994

Recommendation of reinforcing dose of OPV for 15 year olds

2003

OPV replaced by inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV) for the 3-dose primary series (2, 4and 6 months of age) and for the booster dose at 4 years of age. All doses of IPV are provided in the form of combination with other vaccines

The fifth dose of OPV previously scheduled at 15-17 years of age is no longer recommended