The Open Vial Policy (OVP) under UIP allows reuse of opened multi-dose vials at subsequent sessions. Which vaccine is EXCLUDED from OVP and must be discarded after each session?

• A BCG ✓
• B OPV
• C TT (Tetanus Toxoid)
• D Hepatitis B

Explanation

Under India's Open Vial Policy, reconstituted vaccines (BCG, measles, JE live) must be discarded within 4 hours or at end of session — they CANNOT be kept for subsequent sessions because reconstituted vaccines are prone to contamination and rapid loss of potency. BCG is reconstituted before use and is excluded from OVP extension. Liquid vaccines (OPV, Hep B, TT, pentavalent) with intact VVM and cold chain maintenance can be kept for up to 28 days under OVP provided the vial closure is intact.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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