Opened vials of TT, Td, HepB and OPV vaccines:
- May be used in subsequent immunisation sessions for a maximum of one month , provided that 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℃ 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, BCG
Check the VVM and expiration date prior to reconstitution.
Reconstituted vials of measles and BCG vaccines must be discarded at the end of each immunisation session or at the end of 6 hours, whichever comes 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.
INJECTION SAFETY
- Always wash hands before and after giving 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 have 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.