Vaccine Storage Guidelines

for ALL vaccines

• unpack vaccines immediately

• place the vaccine in the fridge by type with the soonest expiration date towards the front

for REFRIGERATED vaccines

• ideal temp is 36 to 46 F

• do not store next to wall, on top shelf, or floor of the refrigerator to ensure even temp distribution

• do not use the fridge for foods or other items

• place water bottles in crisper bins to maintain temperature

• when not in use make sure door is closed

for FROZEN vaccines

• ideal temp -(NEGATIVE) 58 to -5 F

• leave 2 to 3 inches between the vaccine and the freezer wall

• use water bottles to help maintain the temp

• make sure the door is closed

Temperature Monitoring Equipment

• the CDC recommends temperature monitoring equipment for all vaccine storage units such as refrigerators, freezers and transportation containers. A digital data logger (DDL) is ideal because it is scheduled to record temperature logs every 30 minutes

Check Temperature

use a simple max/min thermometer to make the following inspections:

• check and log temperatures twice a day (opening/closing)

• record max/min temperatures

• record current temp

• reset thermometer after recording

• report any out of range temperatures by following office protocol

• if the temp is outside the range, contact the vaccine manufacturer and report the total amount of time the temperature was outside the range

Example of temperature log and Critical Thinking Application

• did all the fridge temps fall within required range?

• did all the freezer temps fall within the required range?

• if a temp is outside range, what should be done?

• were the temps checked twice daily?