Under the Universal Immunization Programme's Open Vial Policy, which of the following vaccines can be used in subsequent sessions after the first opening, provided they meet the criteria (VVM has not crossed the discard point, cold chain maintained, no contamination)?

• A Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
• B BCG vaccine
• C Rotavirus vaccine (monovalent, liquid)
• D Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) ✓

Explanation

Under India's Open Vial Policy, multi-dose vials of OPV, Pentavalent, fIPV, PCV, and rotavirus (oral) vaccines can be retained and used in subsequent immunization sessions provided: VVM has not crossed the discard point, cold chain was maintained, the vial is not visibly contaminated, and expiry date has not passed. BCG and MR vaccines, being lyophilized (reconstituted) vaccines, must be discarded within 4 hours of reconstitution or at end of session, whichever is earlier.

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.