Colour-changing label will prevent wasted vaccines

Vaccines can be rendered unusable if they are exposed to high temperatures, the University of Surrey said

A heat-sensitive label could lead to fewer doses of vaccines going to waste.

Developed by scientists at the University of Surrey, the label responds to temperature changes, changing colour if the vials they are stored in have been exposed to too much heat.

The system is thought to be more cost-effective than alternatives currently available and could be used in other areas, such as storing cancer drugs or blood, or even food packaging, experts said.

It will now be tested by the World Health Organization.

Some experts estimate that up to half of vaccine doses are wasted because they are thought to have not been kept cold enough, especially in low-income countries, the university said.

Dr Izabela Jurewicz, lecturer in soft matter, said: "Seeing a concept born in our lab on its way to transforming vaccine safety worldwide is incredibly rewarding.

"Our low cost, scalable approach will help ensure more vaccines reach those that need them most, safely and effectively."

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