Which vaccines under India's NIS are classified as 'freeze-sensitive' and must NEVER be frozen?
- A OPV and BCG
- B DPT, Hepatitis B, TT, IPV, PCV, and rota (liquid) ✓
- C MMR and Varicella
- D BCG and Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
Correct answer: B. DPT, Hepatitis B, TT, IPV, PCV, and rota (liquid)
Explanation
Freeze-sensitive vaccines lose potency when frozen because freezing causes adjuvant aggregation and protein denaturation. DPT, Hepatitis B, TT/Td, IPV (injectable), PCV, and liquid rotavirus vaccines are all freeze-sensitive — they must be stored between +2°C to +8°C and never frozen. OPV, BCG, MR, and MMR are freeze-tolerant (can be stored frozen) — in fact, OPV is stored frozen (-20°C) during transport and at -15°C to -25°C at sub-district levels. The 'shake test' is used to detect freeze damage in adsorbed vaccines.
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.