Colour-Changing Label Could Prevent Millions of Vaccines Going to Waste

Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a heat-sensitive label that changes colour when vaccines are exposed to temperatures that are too high — a common reason doses are thrown away around the world.

The label attaches directly to the vials and gives a visible warning if the vaccine cold chain has been broken. Researchers say it is cheaper and easier to produce than current monitoring systems and could also be applied to cancer drugs, blood storage and even food packaging.

The World Health Organization will now begin testing the technology.

According to global health experts, up to 50% of vaccine doses are discarded because it is unclear whether they stayed cold enough during transport and storage — a particular problem in low-income countries with unreliable refrigeration.

Dr Izabela Jurewicz, who helped lead the research, said the result was both practical and scalable:

“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.”

If successful, the innovation could dramatically cut medical waste, reduce costs, and help life-saving vaccines reach more people.