The Open Vial Policy (OVP) for multi-dose vaccine vials does NOT apply to which of the following vaccines under India's UIP?
- A Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
- B Pentavalent (DPT-HepB-Hib) vaccine
- C BCG vaccine ✓
- D Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
Correct answer: C. BCG vaccine
Explanation
The WHO/GoI Open Vial Policy allows multi-dose vials to be kept and reused at subsequent sessions if stored correctly, VVM is acceptable, and aseptic technique was maintained. OPV and MR/Measles vaccines are explicitly included in OVP. Pentavalent is also covered under OVP. BCG vaccine is explicitly EXCLUDED from OVP because it contains no preservative and must be used within 3 hours of reconstitution; any remaining BCG must be discarded at end of session. This is a critical distinction frequently tested.
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.