Covid-19 vaccine: Each vaccine vial, with 10 doses, must be used within 4 hours of opening Share Synopsis For instance, some vaccines under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) can be used for about four weeks after the vial is opened (for the first time). Reuters This cannot be done without VVMs, as they display key indicators, specially the storage temperature, which helps in properly stocking and transporting vials. (This story originally appeared in on Jan 11, 2021)BENGALURU: The initial batches of Covid-19 vaccines, likely to be used beginning January 16, will have to be used or discarded within four hours of the vials — each estimated to contain 10 doses — being opened. The reason: non-availability of vaccine vial monitors (VVMs) because the pandemic situation has prompted the government to do away with the open vial policy that allows storage and use of vaccines for a much longer time even after the vial has been opened.