As per the Open Vial Policy (OVP) under UIP, which of the following vaccines can be RETURNED to the cold chain and used in subsequent sessions after opening?

• A BCG, MMR, and OPV — all reconstituted vaccines
• B OPV and liquid vaccines like Hepatitis B, IPV, and pentavalent vaccine ✓
• C All vaccines can be returned if the session was held within a health facility
• D Only BCG vaccine if used within 3 hours of reconstitution

Explanation

Under India's OVP, multi-dose liquid vaccines (OPV, Hepatitis B, liquid pentavalent, IPV) can be carried back to the cold chain and reused in subsequent sessions if: (a) the cold chain was maintained, (b) the VVM has not reached discard point, (c) the vial has not expired, (d) proper aseptic technique was used. Reconstituted vaccines (BCG, MMR, MR, measles, lyophilized rotavirus) must be discarded at the end of the session (within 4 hours or end of session, whichever is earlier) because reconstitution increases contamination risk and potency loss.

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.