Open Multi-Dose Vial Policy
Injection safety Opened vials of TT HepB and OPV vaccines: May be used in subsequent immunisation sessions for a maximum of one month , if each of the following conditions have been met: The expiry date has not passed Each vial must be dated when opened The vaccines are stored under appropriate cold chain conditions (2–8°C with temperature monitoring and recording) The vaccine vial septum ha
Opened vials of TT HepB and OPV vaccines:
- May be used in subsequent immunisation sessions for a maximum of one month, if each of the following conditions have been met:
- The expiry date has not passed
- Each vial must be dated when opened
- The vaccines are stored under appropriate cold chain conditions (2–8°C with temperature monitoring and recording)
- The vaccine vial septum has not been submerged in water
- Aseptic technique has been used to withdraw all doses
Opened vials of measles/rubella, BCG
Check the vaccine vial monitor (VVM) and expiration date prior to reconstitution. Reconstituted vials of measles/rubella and BCG vaccines must be discarded at the end of each immunisation session or at the end of 6 hours, whichever occurs first. Always label the vials with the date and time when opening or reconstituting.
All opened vials must be discarded immediately if:
- Sterile procedures have not been fully observed,
- There is even a suspicion that the opened vial has been contaminated,
- There is visible evidence of contamination such as a change in appearance or floating particles, etc.
Discard the needle after using a multi-dose vial to avoid compromising the sterility of the vial.
Injection Safety
- Always wash hands before and after administering the vaccine
- Always keep a fully equipped emergency tray at the immunisation point
- Use a sterile syringe and sterile needle for each immunisation
- Clean the skin adequately with cotton wool and water, do not use alcohol swabs
- Check all vaccines for safety
- Return all unsafe vaccines back to the pharmacy
- Use the same needle for drawing up and administering the vaccine. “One Needle, One Syringe”
- Diluents are not interchangeable. Different vaccines require different diluents
- Always use the same diluent from the same manufacturer as the vaccine
- Used needles and syringes must be disposed of safely
- Discard all used empty vaccines in the sharps container
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.1_6 December 2024
Chapter 13: Immunisation_13.5 Open Multi-Dose Vial Policy