Which statement about reconstituted vaccines under the Universal Immunization Programme is correct?
- A Reconstituted measles-containing vaccines must be discarded 4 hours after reconstitution or at the end of the session, whichever is earlier ✓
- B Reconstituted BCG follows the Open Vial Policy and can be used up to 28 days
- C Reconstituted vaccines may be kept overnight in the ILR and used next morning
- D Reconstitution time is irrelevant as long as the VVM has not reached its discard point
Correct answer: A. Reconstituted measles-containing vaccines must be discarded 4 hours after reconstitution or at the end of the session, whichever is earlier
Explanation
Lyophilized vaccines such as BCG, MR/measles and Japanese encephalitis are excluded from the Open Vial Policy once reconstituted. Without preservative they support bacterial growth, so the rule is discard 4 hours after reconstitution or at end of session, whichever comes first, irrespective of VVM status or refrigeration. Overnight storage is prohibited and the VVM reflects heat exposure, not contamination risk after mixing.
Reference: WHO Immunization in Practice: a practical guide for health staff, 2015 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.