Open Vial Policy (OVP) under UIP allows reuse of opened multi-dose vaccine vials at subsequent sessions. Which of the following vaccines is EXCLUDED from the Open Vial Policy?

• A BCG vaccine ✓
• B OPV (oral polio vaccine)
• C DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus)
• D Hepatitis B vaccine

Explanation

BCG vaccine is excluded from the Open Vial Policy because once reconstituted it must be discarded within 3–4 hours; it cannot be stored and reused at a subsequent session. OVP applies to vaccines like OPV, DPT, TT, hepatitis B, and pentavalent when the cold chain is maintained, the vial is not expired, and no contamination is suspected. BCG's fragility post-reconstitution necessitates the exclusion.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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