The success of any immunisation program depends on administering effective vaccines. It is important to ensure vaccines are stored in optimal conditions to maintain their effectiveness.
The cold chain is the process of transporting and storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of 2 - 8 degrees Celsius from the place of manufacture to the point of administration.
A broken cold chain - inactivated vaccine or reduced shelf life.
Temperatures too hot/freezing, exposure to light - less effective to zero effectiveness
DO NOT FREEZE DTP, ADT, CDT, pertussis, tetanus, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza or pneumococcal.
Domestic fridges usually have several temperature zones to meet the requirements of different foods. Safe storage is possible if you follow the appropriate guidelines.
Refrigerator guidelines
- Have a separate immunisation refrigerator.
- Store vaccines on a tray or in a container on middle and upper shelves of fridge.
- Fill empty spaces with bottles of salt water to maintain a stable temperature.
- Keep door closed.
- Secure power source, so fridg e does not get turned off.
- Rotate vaccines regularly.
- Defrost fridge regularly. The buildup of ice reduces its effectiveness.
- Use only 50% of suitable storage area so air can circulate freely around vaccines.
If it is not possible to have a separate fridge, keep the vaccines in a closed styrofoam container on the middle or upper shelves of the refrigerator. Put the minimum/maximum thermometer in the container with the vaccines.
(Info adapted from North West Melbourne Division of General Practice with thanks)
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