Vaccine Storage Basics
1. Keep the refrigerator/freezer plugged in and cold
| |
| 1. |
Refrigerators should have separate, sealed refrigerator
& freezer compartments |
| 2. |
Have separate temperature controls for refrigerator
& freezer compartments |
| |
| a. |
Put certified thermometers in the refrigerator and in the freezer |
| b. |
Check and record the temperature in the refrigerator & freezer twice daily |
| c. |
Use a safety plug or plug cover to prevent accidental
disconnection |
| d. |
Place "DO NOT UNPLUG" warnings near
the outlet and circuit breaker |
| e. |
Keep water bottles in refrigerator and ice packs
in freezer |
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2. Keep these vaccines in the refrigerator (35° – 46°
F or 2° – 8° C)
| |
| LAIV |
Hep B |
Rota |
| DTaP, Tdap, Td, DT |
HPV4 |
PCV7 |
| Hib |
MMR* |
PPV23 |
| IPV |
MCV4 |
TIV |
| Hep A |
MPSV4 |
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a. Put them in the refrigerator as soon as they arrive
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3. Keep these vaccines frozen (5°F or -15°C or lower)
| |
| Varicella |
MMRV |
Zoster |
| MMR* |
|
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a. Put them in the freezer as soon as they arrive |
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4. Keep vaccines protected from light
| |
| a. Remove individual dose vials from cardboard
package only as needed |
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5. Do not allow vaccine to expire
| |
| a. |
Check expiration dates monthly |
| b. |
Place vaccines so those that will expire first
are used first |
| c. |
Stock only what you can use in 1– 2 months |
| d. |
For VFC vaccine: call your local health department
VFC contact person if any of your VFC vaccine will
expire in 3-6 months |
|
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6. Transport vaccines correctly
| |
| a. |
Refrigerated vaccines must be transported in an
insulated cooler with a barrier separating the vaccines
from the ice/cold packs |
| b. |
Place a thermometer in the cooler to monitor the
temperature |
| c. |
Frozen vaccines can only be transported in an
insulated cooler with dry ice |
| d. |
Place vaccines appropriately in the refrigerator
or freezer immediately upon arrival at the clinic |
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* MMR vaccine can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer
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