HEATmarker® VVM

Monitor the Cumulative Temperature Exposure of Vaccines

Since 1996, HEATmarker® Vaccine Vial Monitors (VVM), manufactured by Temptime®, have been used to monitor the temperature exposure of vaccines, as recommended by the WHO and UNICEF. In 2012, WHO determined VVM to be a "critical characteristic", a required element of all vaccine tenders submitted to UNICEF.

HEATmarker VVM and VVM+ indicators are affixed to a vaccine vial by the manufacturer to allow for full-life temperature monitoring. The inner square features a heat-sensitive material that becomes darker when exposed to heat. The color change is faster at higher temperatures and slower at lower temperatures. At the end point, the inner square is the same color as or darker than the outer circle. This allows the HEATmarker VVM to give health workers an overview of the cumulative heat exposure of the vaccine and a clear visual indication when it has reached its time-temperature end point, informing them whether the vaccine should be administered.

Learn More About HEATmarker VVM

  • Simple Identification of Cumulative Heat Exposure

    HEATmarker VVM’s inner square features a heat-sensitive chemistry that shows a gradual and permanent color change. Initially light in color, it becomes darker when exposed to heat. At the end point, the inner square is the same color as, or darker than the outer circle. This visual indication alerts healthcare workers of the heat exposure of each vaccine vial to inform them whether the vaccine should be administered.

  • Preserve Valuable Inventory

    Since their appearance changes gradually over time, health workers can use HEATmarker VVM to easily monitor heat exposure and dispose of only the vaccine inventory that has reached their temperature endpoints. In addition, they can prioritize the use of those vaccines that have had more heat exposure (without exceeding the limit) over those that have not.

  • Extend Vaccinations to the Last Mile

    The color change of HEATmarker VVM provides a visible and reliable indicator allowing healthcare professionals to confidently carry vaccines to previously unreachable populations.

person holding two vaccine vials with vaccine vial monitors on them
Heatmarker VVM

HEATmarker VVM 250

Very High Stability

HEATmarker VVM 250 is optimal for use with very high stability vaccines, as defined by WHO/PQS/E006/IN05.3. It features a maximun time to end-point of 250 days at 37°C.

  • Temperature Specification

    37°C

  • Days to End Point

    250

  • Shelf Life

    5 years

Heatmarket VVM+

HEATmarker VVM 30

High Stability

HEATmarker VVM 30 is optimal for use with high stability vaccines, as defined by WHO/PQS/E006/IN05.3. It features a maximun time to end-point of 30 days at 37°C.

  • Temperature Specification

    37°C

  • Days to End Point

    30

  • Shelf Life

    5 years

Heatmarket VVM+

HEATmarker VVM 14

Medium Stability

HEATmarker VVM 14 is optimal for use with medium stability vaccines, as defined by WHO/PQS/E006/IN05.3. It features a maximun time to end-point of 14 days at 37°C.

  • Temperature Specification

    37°C

  • Days to End Point

    14

  • Shelf Life

    5 years

Heatmarket VVM+

HEATmarker VVM 11

Intermediate Stability

HEATmarker VVM 11 is optimal for use with intermediate stability vaccines, as defined by WHO/PQS/E006/IN05.3. It features a maximun time to end-point of 11 days at 37°C.

  • Temperature Specification

    37°C

  • Days to End Point

    11

  • Shelf Life

    4 years

Heatmarket VVM+

HEATmarker VVM 7

Moderate Stability

HEATmarker VVM 7 is optimal for use with moderate stability vaccines, as defined by WHO/PQS/E006/IN05.3. It features a maximun time to end-point of 7 days at 37°C.

  • Temperature Specification

    37°C

  • Days to End Point

    7

  • Shelf Life

    4 years

Heatmarket VVM+

HEATmarker VVM 2

Least Stability

HEATmarker VVM 2 is optimal for use with vaccines with the least stability, as defined by WHO/PQS/E006/IN05.3. It features a maximun time to end-point of 2 days at 37°C.

  • Temperature Specification

    37°C

  • Days to End Point

    2

  • Shelf Life

    4 years