Under the Open Vial Policy (OVP) in India's National Immunization Schedule, which vaccines can be used in subsequent sessions after opening, and for how long?

• A BCG and measles vials only — usable for 6 hours after reconstitution
• B All injectable vaccines without exception — usable for 28 days
• C Only OPV — no other vaccine falls under OVP
• D OPV, DPT, Hep-B, TT, and Td — usable for 4 weeks after opening if storage criteria are met and VVM is acceptable ✓

Explanation

India's Open Vial Policy (OVP) allows multi-dose vials of OPV, DPT, Hep-B, TT, and Td to be used in subsequent immunization sessions within 4 weeks of opening, provided: VVM has not reached discard point, expiry date has not passed, vaccines are stored at recommended temperatures (2–8°C), and aseptic technique was maintained. Reconstituted vaccines (BCG, measles, MR, JE) must be discarded within 4–6 hours and do NOT fall under OVP.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.