Under the Universal Immunisation Programme, the open vial policy allows multi-dose vials to be used in subsequent sessions ONLY for vaccines that:

• A Are lyophilised (freeze-dried) and reconstituted at the session site
• B Are stored at room temperature throughout the cold chain
• C Have been used within the past 24 hours regardless of VVM status
• D Have a vaccine vial monitor (VVM) that has not reached the discard point and meet aseptic requirements ✓

Explanation

The WHO Open Vial Policy (and India's UIP implementation) allows multi-dose opened vials of eligible liquid formulation vaccines (OPV, DPT, TT, hepatitis B, pentavalent) to be used in subsequent sessions up to 28 days if: (1) VVM has not reached the discard point, (2) vial has not expired, (3) stored under recommended conditions, and (4) aseptic technique was used. Reconstituted vaccines (BCG, measles, MMR) must be discarded within 4–6 hours of reconstitution at the session site.

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.