Under the Open Vial Policy (OVP) for immunization, which of the following vaccines can be used in subsequent immunization sessions provided the cold chain is maintained and vial is not contaminated?

• A BCG vaccine
• B Pentavalent vaccine ✓
• C Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
• D Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

Explanation

Under India's Open Vial Policy, multi-dose vials of certain vaccines — specifically OPV, liquid pentavalent, liquid PCV, liquid rotavirus, hepatitis B, and IPV — can be used in subsequent sessions within specified time limits (usually up to 4 weeks) if cold chain is maintained, vial is not contaminated, and VVM and expiry are acceptable. BCG, MR, Measles, and JE vaccines (lyophilised, reconstituted) must be discarded within 4 hours of opening as they lack preservatives and are highly susceptible to contamination once reconstituted. OPV is also covered by OVP but among the listed options, pentavalent is the best example of a vaccine retained 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.