An outreach immunization session ends and the vaccinator still holds partly used multi-dose vials. According to the Open Vial Policy of the Universal Immunization Programme, which statement is correct?
- A Liquid vaccines such as OPV, pentavalent, DPT, Td and Hepatitis B may be reused for up to 4 hours, while reconstituted vaccines such as BCG, MR and fIPV are excluded ✓
- B The Open Vial Policy covers all vaccines, provided the vial is stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- C Every opened multi-dose vial must be discarded at the end of the session, including liquid vaccines
- D Only oral polio vaccine qualifies under the Open Vial Policy; injectable vaccines must be discarded
Correct answer: A. Liquid vaccines such as OPV, pentavalent, DPT, Td and Hepatitis B may be reused for up to 4 hours, while reconstituted vaccines such as BCG, MR and fIPV are excluded
Explanation
The Open Vial Policy allows opened multi-dose liquid vaccines (OPV, pentavalent, DPT, Td, Hepatitis B) to be kept for reuse up to 28 days in later sessions if cold chain and aseptic conditions are met, with 4 hours being the practical limit in the field; reconstituted freeze-dried vaccines (BCG, measles-rubella, fractional IPV) are strictly excluded and must be discarded within 4 hours of reconstitution or at session end, whichever is earlier, because of contamination risk.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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