With the exception of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccines in multidose vials (MDVs) that do not require reconstitution contain preservatives and can be used through the expiration date printed on the label as long as the vaccine is not contaminated, unless indicated otherwise by the manufacturer. For example, inactivated polio vaccine in an MDV can be used through the expiration date on the vial. For some vaccines, the manufacturer specifies that once the MDV has been entered or the rubber stopper punctured, the vaccine must be used within a certain number of days. This is commonly referred to as the “beyond-use date” (BUD). Any vaccine not used within the BUD should be discarded. Specific information regarding the BUD can be found in the product information. For example, the package insert for some inactivated influenza vaccine indicates once the stopper of the MDV has been pierced, the vial must be discarded within 28 days. Package inserts for vaccines can be found at www.immunize.org/fda.
Be careful to follow current guidance from the manufacturer and CDC for how long an MDV of COVID-19 vaccine may be used after puncturing the vial. The COVID-19 vaccine MDVs do not contain preservatives and must be used within hours; specific times vary by product.
Last reviewed:
July 26, 2023
No. Only the number of doses indicated in the manufacturer’s package insert should be withdrawn from the vial. For some vaccines, the package insert also may indicate the maximum recommended number of punctures of the vial stopper. After the maximum number of doses has been withdrawn or the number of punctures of the stopper has met the recommended limit, the vial should be discarded, even if there is vaccine remaining in the vial and the expiration date has not been reached. Never use partial doses from two or more vials to obtain a dose of vaccine.
Last reviewed:
July 26, 2023
The expiration date is the date by which the vaccine should be used. Vaccines may be used up to and including this date unless otherwise stated in the manufacturer’s product information. The expiration date is based on the assumption that the vaccine has been properly handled and that it has not become contaminated.
Some vaccines expire within a certain time after opening or after reconstitution. Multidose vials that contain bacteriostatic agents that prevent the growth of bacteria and may be used until the expiration date printed on the vial unless they become contaminated. Single-dose vials, COVID-19 vaccine multidose vials, and manufacturer-filled syringes do not contain bacteriostatic agents. Once the cap has been removed or the sterile seal has been broken on these vaccines, they should be administered. Lyophilized (freeze-dried) vaccine must be used within a specified time frame after it has been reconstituted. You may find an educational piece from Immunize.org titled Vaccines with Diluents: How to Use Them helpful. It’s available at www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3040.pdf.
Last reviewed:
July 26, 2023
It is acceptable to put the Beyond Use Date (BUD) on the packaging; this may help when reviewing inventory. But a provider should always read the label on the vial before administering a vaccine. It is possible for a vial to be placed in the wrong box. So, the vial label is the safest place to put the BUD. Vial labels are small, and it may require putting an extra sticky label on the vial.
Last reviewed:
July 26, 2023
