As per the Open Vial Policy of the Universal Immunization Programme, a partially used multi-dose vial may be kept for up to 28 days if certain conditions are met. Which vaccine is EXEMPT from this policy because it must be discarded 4 hours after reconstitution?
- A Oral polio vaccine
- B DPT vaccine
- C Measles-containing vaccine ✓
- D Pentavalent vaccine
Correct answer: C. Measles-containing vaccine
Explanation
The Open Vial Policy applies to liquid, preservative-containing vaccines such as OPV, DPT, TT/Td, hepatitis B and liquid pentavalent, which can be used up to 28 days after opening if the cold chain, septum sterility and expiry conditions are met. Measles and BCG are lyophilized vaccines that must be reconstituted with diluent, contain no preservative, and carry a risk of contamination, so they must be discarded within 4 hours of reconstitution or at the end of the session.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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