When it comes down to it, proper storage and handling is one of, if not the, most important factor regarding vaccines- especially when it comes to immunizations for preventable childhood illnesses. Improper care of immunizations can prove the efforts of many for naught, as not only can mishandled vaccinations decrease effectiveness, but can also lead to major financial loss in pointless vaccines and revaccinations, as well as overall distrust and skepticism in patients.

In 2020, the CDC updated their Vaccination Storage and Handling Toolkit, which you can read in full here. However, in short, the toolkit outlines the following:

• The cold chain;
• Staff and training;
• Vaccine storage and temperature monitoring equipment;
• Vaccine management, preparation and transport;
• Vaccine disposal, and;
• Emergency storage and handling

The Cold Chain

A vital part of the storage process, the cold chain outlines an immunization’s recommended temperature throughout its entire journey, from the manufacturing plant all the way to its administration. Failure to withhold the cold chain results in the vaccination losing its potency and rendering them useless, putting high risk individuals, such as children, in danger. This includes overexposure to heat, cold, or light. A vaccination’s potency cannot be restored once lost.

Freezing temperatures (0° C [32° F] or colder) can permanently destroy potency.

Staff and Training

Every staff member involved in the receiving or handling of vaccines must be trained in proper storage and handling techniques. All employees must also be informed of their facilities standard operating procedures (SOPs), and it is recommended to keep all SOPs near units, as well as have all staff know where to locate them.

Vaccine Storage and Temperature Monitoring Equipment

It is vital that all storage and monitoring equipment is correctly set up and maintained. Compromised or mishandled appliances can result in ruined vaccines; both putting children at risk for developing preventable disease, as well as massively affecting finances. All vaccine refrigerators and freezers must have a large enough interior that can hold the largest inventory expected. Additionally, the CDC recommends never storing vaccines in any dormitory or bar-style units, as these have a high risk of freezing the contents.

Temperature Monitoring Devices (TMDs)

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, a federally funded program for underserved children to receive vaccinations at no cost, requires each and every immunization storage container, emergency transport and backup unit contain a reliable and continuous temperature monitoring device (TMD) known as a digital data logger, or DDL. This DDL will record, at least every 30 minutes, the temperature of the contents within the unit. TMDs should be placed in the very center of the unit surrounded by vaccinations.

The CDC outlines recommendations for what DDLs should contain, some of which include:

• A detachable probe;
• An alarm for temperatures beyond the recommended range and/or a low battery indicator;
• Recommended uncertainty of +/-0.5°C (+/-1°F), and;
• Programmable DDLs that can read every 30 minutes

Data from DDLs should also be downloadable in order to review.

Vaccine Storage

Vaccine storage units and containers should be kept in well-ventilated, spacious rooms. Unit covers should move smoothly with no blockage of any sort, as well as be level and firmy placed on even ground. It is usually recommended that all portable medical refrigerator units be kept in temperatures ranging from 20°C – 25°C (or 68°F – 77°F), however you should check your containers manufacturing manual to make certain.

Storing Vaccine

To protect from unidealistic conditions, vaccines should be kept in their original, and separate,  packaging until administration. Keep vaccines organized by expiration date- the earlier the date, the closer to the front it should be. Additionally, vaccinations and diluentents of the same type should be kept together. Diluentents should never be stored in a freezer. Other products, like medications, should not be kept in the same storage units as this can increase the likeness of cross-contamination.

Temperature

It is suggested that refrigerators maintain temperatures around 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F) and freezers should be kept at about -50°C and -15°C (-58°F and +5°F)

Vaccine Management, Preparation and Deliveries

In order to ensure quality, vaccination management, loading and unloading must be done properly, from its delivery to its expiration or administration

Deliveries

Vaccination delivery should only be scheduled when they are definitive staff present and must be unpacked immediately. Vaccination containers should never be left unattended. Unloaded immunizations must be stored in their suggested condition promptly after removal from their shipping containers.

All shipping containers should be reviewed for signs of damage, such as:

• Check no vaccination or diluent is past its expiration date
• Check the vaccinations are at the correct temperature
• Compare the contents with the packing list

Vaccination Preparation

The final stage of the cold chain prior to administration is vaccination preparation. It is incredibly important to handle and prepare the vaccinations properly and with care, as well as following the preparation steps, which cover:

• Proper hygiene;
• Checking expiration dates before a vaccination is administered;
• Perform vaccinations in a clean area, and only provide vaccinations for one patient at a time, and;
• Always follow the manufacturing label to ensure proper usage

Vaccine and Equipment Disposal

In some cases, unused or expired immunizations and diluentents may be turned in for credit. Be sure to contact your local vaccination program or manufacturer for instruction. Open and/or broken vials and syringes cannot be returned.

Following immediate use, syringes and needles must be placed in a biohazard container with a closable lid. Additionally, they must also be puncture resistant as well as leakproof, and color-coded or labeled. In most cases, empty, expired or otherwise faulty vaccinations are not considered hazardous, however this varies from state to state.

Emergency Transportation

In case of emergency not previously anticipated, it is recommended that you:

• Contact alternative vaccination storage facilities to see if they can currently accept immunizations for storage;
• Are aware of any protective measures indicated by the facility;
• Only open vaccination storage units once vaccinations are ready to be packed in order to avoid exposure of previously stored vaccinations to inadequate conditions

At FridgeFreeze Inc. we provide the most durable, efficient portable refrigerators and freezers on the market for medical applications. Our units meet the current federal and state standards to ensure safe storage for your vaccines. We offer a full line of medical grade refrigerators and freezers specifically designed for the safe storage of vaccines including influenza, varicella, MMR, Zoster, rotavirus and typhoid.

For questions or to place an order, contact FridgeFreeze today. Allow our experts aid you in finding the best products to meet your individual needs.