Using Entire content of vaccines

[inyati13]

Most vaccines contain the notification to use the entire content on opening. This no doubt is a precaution to prevent contamination. If you clean the top with isopropol alcohol and use a clean needle on each subsequent insertion, shouldn't the vaccine be safe for later use?

 

[Crazy Farmgirl]

This is what I was told by my vet:
As soon as you puncture the top the first time you have "potentially" contaminated the vial, and on each subsequent puncture, since you are not working in a sterile environment. He suggests that if you are going to use it up relatively quickly (less than a month) that keeping the unused portion is ok but if you will not be using it up in a short time span then to not take the risk. If the latter is the case he suggested to get the dosage count as close to your needs as possible and discarding any left over. He also suggested that it is not good practice to put one needle in the vial and with out removing the needle using that single needle to draw all the doses,as it leaves an opening for germs/bacteria to enter the vial between draws.

Since his recommendation makes sense to me and I have no way to know if in fact anything contaminated the vial this is the way I do it.

 

[milkmaid]

If a MLV - it has to be used within 1-2 hours.

If a killed vaccine - if you can guarantee it hasn't been contaminated with dirt, bacteria, hair, etc as mentioned above, then should be okay to store. As cheap as killed vaccines are though, I wouldn't take the chance.

 

[deerejohn]

I personally believe that once it's open it should be used unless it is something like LA. One problem= a lot of partial bottles...not worth the risk.

 

[inyati13]

But here is the issue I have. I have a small herd and sometimes work an animal by itself. You tap a 10 dose bottle and would like to save the rest. For example, I have a heifer due the end of January. I wanted to use ScourGuard. But then I would not be able to use it on the next cow when her calf is due since the timing of the injection is related to their due date. I bought CalfGuard instead because it comes in 25 one dose vials. I often use the opportunity that arises to work a cow or calf. I leave the handling facility open and feed a little mixed feed there. Sometimes a cow, calf or bull will walk right into the crowding pen. I just calmly shut the gate and do the work with no fuss or mess. It would be nice if all vaccines were offered in individual vials even if they cost a little more! I do reuse some of my vaccines. I am careful to use sterile needles and clean the top after use with alcohol.