Vaccine vial monitor (VVM) assignments for different WHO-prequalified vaccines and their proper handling

This information bulletin addresses the varied implications of different types of vaccine vial monitors

(VVMs), notably VVM category type 7 (VVM7) and VVM category type 14 (VVM14), on vaccines such

as the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) and the fully-liquid Diphtheria-Tetanus- whole cell PertussisHepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTP-HepB-Hib, commonly referred to as pentavalent).

The note is directed to countries that are currently supplied by UNICEF Supply Division with these

specific presentations of vaccine. The information is intended for WHO/UNICEF staff, as well as EPI

managers or other partner agencies which support immunization programmes.