The open vial policy under the Universal Immunization Programme allows a multi-dose vaccine vial opened at an outreach session to be reused at subsequent sessions for up to four weeks, provided certain conditions are met. This policy applies to ALL of the following vaccines EXCEPT:
- A BCG ✓
- B Oral polio vaccine
- C DPT
- D Pentavalent
Correct answer: A. BCG
Explanation
Open vial policy covers diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, pentavalent, hepatitis B, tetanus toxoid and other liquid inactivated vaccines, but explicitly excludes oral polio vaccine, BCG and measles-containing vaccines. BCG is excluded because it is a live attenuated vaccine supplied in multidose vials without preservative and is highly sensitive to contamination and heat after reconstitution-like exposure. OPV is likewise excluded despite being live, making BCG the classic examination answer.
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.