Post00358 VVM NEWS

Post00358 VVM NEWS 19 July 2001 CONTENTS 1. GOOD NEWS - VVM IMPLEMENTATION: BCG & MEASLES *Umit Kartoglu, WHO/V&B/ATT, posts the good news that more vaccine with Vaccine Vial Monitors will be supplied to countries this year. * This should lead us to the 'Cold Chain of the Future' soon! * How will it work? * How will we make it happen? Opinion, comments and additions please: [log in to unmask] or use your reply button ___________________________________________________________________________ From: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Good news - VVM implementation Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 Dear Allan, I have good news on VVM implementation to share with Technet members. First one is from Japan BCG. We have been informed that Japan BCG will start supplying BCG with VVM attached to UNICEF in August. A total of 1.5 million ampoules of 20 doses BCG will be delivered to countries. Second one is from Japan International Corporation System (JICS) about a decision that all vaccines donated by JICS will have VVMs attached. Measles vaccine will be the first one to be donated with VVMs. VVMs on freeze dried vaccines are attached either on the cap or on the neck of the ampoule. Health workers will refer to VVM until the time of reconstitution. During reconstitution VVM is removed (with the cap or with the neck of the ampoule) and should not be referred to any more. Reconstituted BCG and measles vaccines must be discarded within 6 hours or at the end of the session whichever comes first. VVM on freeze dried vaccines always comes in DOT form. Since the VVM has to be attached to a place allowing its removal during reconstitution, it cannot be attached to the label. Interpretation of different type VVMs is the same as in OPV VVMs. When the inner square color matches the circle, the vial must not be used and discarded. However, it should be noted that even [when] exposed to the same temperatures, the VVM on OPV vaccine will reach its end point much faster than BCG and measles VVMs. This is mainly due to difference in vaccine stability and therefore VVM reaction rate. Japan BCG will have VVM30 which reaches its discard point at 37degree C in 30 days, and Measles will have VVM7 showing the same reaction at the same temperature in 7 days. OPV VVM is VVM2 and reaction time to reach its discard point is 2 days at 37degree C. This is again to underline that the VVM is a smart indicator of heat exposure for the individual vial/ampoule to which it is affixed. Warm regards, Umit Kartoglu Dr. Umit Kartoglu Technical Officer V&B/ATT, HTP Room M230 World Health Organization Avenue Appia 20, CH-1211 Geneva 27 Switzerland Tel: +41 22 791 4972; Fax: +41 22 791 4384 Mobile: +41 79 475 5467 e-mail: [log in to unmask] ____________________________________*______________________________________