Under India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) Open Vial Policy, which of the following vaccines can be used in subsequent sessions after opening, if the cold chain is maintained and the cap is intact?
- A BCG, OPV, and Measles-Rubella vaccines
- B Only OPV and liquid pentavalent vaccine
- C OPV, liquid pentavalent, hepatitis B, and liquid PCV; reconstituted vaccines (BCG, MR, JE) must be discarded after the session ✓
- D All vaccines can be reused for up to 7 days if stored at 2–8°C
Correct answer: C. OPV, liquid pentavalent, hepatitis B, and liquid PCV; reconstituted vaccines (BCG, MR, JE) must be discarded after the session
Explanation
India's Open Vial Policy allows multi-dose vials of OPV, liquid pentavalent, hepatitis B, and liquid PCV to be used for up to 28 days after opening provided the cold chain is maintained (2–8°C), the VVM has not reached endpoint, there is no visible contamination, and the expiry date has not passed. Reconstituted vaccines (BCG, MR/measles, JE) must be discarded at the end of the session or within 4 hours of reconstitution, whichever is earlier.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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