The Open Vial Policy (OVP) under the Universal Immunisation Programme allows multi-dose vials of which vaccines to be reused at subsequent sessions within a 28-day period, provided specific conditions are met?

• A All vaccines including OPV, Measles-Rubella and BCG
• B Only inactivated injectable vaccines such as IPV and Hepatitis B
• C OPV, liquid pentavalent vaccine and Hepatitis B — but NOT reconstituted lyophilised vaccines ✓
• D All vaccines irrespective of formulation if the cold chain is maintained

Explanation

India's OVP (adopted per WHO 2014 guidance) allows reuse within 28 days of opening for liquid multi-dose vials (OPV, liquid pentavalent/DPT, Hepatitis B) that: are within expiry, have an intact VVM, are stored at 2–8°C, and were not submerged or contaminated. Reconstituted lyophilised vaccines (BCG, Measles-Rubella/MMR, JE live) are single-session use and must be discarded within 4 hours of reconstitution because they lack preservatives and carry contamination risk.

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.