Under the Open Vial Policy (OVP) of India, which vaccine is an EXCEPTION and must be discarded after opening at the end of every session?
- A DPT
- B BCG ✓
- C TT (Tetanus Toxoid)
- D Hepatitis B
Correct answer: B. BCG
Explanation
The Open Vial Policy allows multi-dose vials of DPT, Hepatitis B, TT, and Hib to be carried over to the next session if the cold chain has been maintained and the vaccine meets other criteria. BCG is explicitly excluded from OVP because it requires reconstitution with a specific diluent, has no preservative after mixing, and the reconstituted vaccine loses potency rapidly; it must be discarded 4 hours after opening or at end of session.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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