The Open Vial Policy (OVP) as adopted in India's UIP allows multi-dose vials of which vaccine to be used for up to 28 days after opening, provided cold chain is maintained and VVM is not reached?
- A Liquid pentavalent (DPT-HepB-Hib) ✓
- B Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
- C OPV (oral polio vaccine)
- D Oral Rotavirus vaccine
Explanation
The Open Vial Policy applies to multi-dose vials of non-reconstituted liquid vaccines (pentavalent, OPV, hepatitis B, TT/Td, IPV): these may be used across multiple immunization sessions for up to 28 days if the vial has not been contaminated, VVM is intact (has not reached the endpoint), the expiry date has not passed, and cold chain (2–8°C) has been maintained. Reconstituted vaccines (MR, BCG) must be discarded within 4 hours of reconstitution. OVP for OPV allows use up to 28 days as well, but the MR reconstituted vial is the one with the 4-hour discard rule.
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.