A policy on managing opened vaccine vials is needed to minimize waste while ensuring vaccine effectiveness. Multi-dose vials of certain vaccines like OPV, DTP, and hepatitis B can be used over multiple immunization sessions for up to 4 weeks if stored properly and have not expired or been contaminated. Open vials of measles and BCG vaccines must be discarded after each session or within 6 hours. All opened vials must be discarded immediately if aseptic procedures were not followed or the vial is suspected of being contaminated.

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OPEN
Vial Policy
Dr. Animesh Das

2. To make sure that vaccines remain
effective with as little wastage as
possible, a policy of managing opened
vials is needed. Opened vials can be
used to withdraw a number of doses if
they are stored correctly.

3. Multi-dose vials of OPV, DTP, TT, DT,
hepatitis B, and liquid formulations
of Hib vaccines from which one or more
doses of vaccine have been removed
during an immunization session may be
used in subsequent immunization
sessions for up to a maximum of 4 weeks3 ,
provided that all of the following
conditions are met:

4. The expiry date has not passed;
• The vaccines are stored under
appropriate cold chain conditions;
• The vaccine vial septum has not been
submerged in water4
• Aseptic technique has been used to
withdraw all doses;
• The vaccine vial monitor (VVM), if
attached, has not reached the discard
point.

5. Open vials of Measles and BCG must
be discarded after the end of each
immunization session not be kept for
more than 6 hours .

6. The freeze-dried formulation contains
no preservative, and after being
reconstituted with a diluent, must be
discarded at the end of the session or
within 6 hours, whichever comes first
(the same as for BCG, measles, and
yellow fever).

7. All opened vials must be discarded
immediately if the asceptic procedures
have not been followed or there is any
suspicion that the vial is contaminated

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