Where Should Vaccines That Require Refrigeration Be Stored?

Last Updated on March 16, 2022

Vaccines are essential tools in protecting our health.
They prevent diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, and whooping cough.
Unfortunately, vaccines require refrigeration to remain effective.
Where should they be stored?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends storing vaccines at 2°C or lower.
This temperature range helps ensure that the vaccine remains stable and safe.
Some vaccines cannot be stored at room temperature because they contain live viruses.
These include some flu shots, oral polio vaccine, and rotavirus vaccines.
For these types of vaccines, CDC recommends keeping them in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C

The Potency of the Vaccine

Vaccines are administered to children and adults to prevent diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis whooping cough, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and others. These vaccines are given either orally or injected into the body. Most vaccines are given in combination with other vaccines, and sometimes with antibiotics. Storage Requirements Answer: Most vaccines are stored at 2°C to 8°C 36°F to 46°F. However, certain vaccines are refrigerated because they are unstable at higher temperatures. For instance, live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine OPV is stable at 4°C to 6°C 39°F to 43°F but not at 25°C 77°F. Live virus vaccines are generally stored at 2°C 36° F to 8°C 46°F.

Cold Chain Maintenance

All vaccines should be transported from the manufacturer to the point of administration in a cold chain system. This ensures that the vaccine remains safe and effective during transport. Cold chains are maintained using insulated containers boxes with ice packs. The boxes are placed in a refrigerator or freezer. The temperature of the box is monitored by thermometers. The temperature of the vaccine is checked every day. The temperature of the container is recorded on a log sheet. The log sheet is used to monitor the temperature of the vaccine throughout the journey.

Where Should Vaccines That Require Refrigeration Be Stored? – Things to Note

Vaccine storage requirements vary depending on the type of vaccine being stored. For example, live attenuated vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella require refrigeration while non-live vaccines such as influenza and hepatitis A require no special storage conditions. In addition, certain vaccines require specific storage temperatures. For example, yellow fever vaccines must be stored between 2°C and 8°C. Hepatitis B vaccines must be stored at -20°C. How Long Do Vaccines Need to Stay Frozen? – Things to Note: Answer: Most vaccines stay stable for about 6 months when frozen. However, some vaccines may lose potency after 3 years if not properly stored. Therefore, it is important to check the expiration date on each vial of vaccine prior to administering it to a child.

Type of Refrigerator to Store the Vaccine in

Most vaccines are recommended to be stored in a refrigerator. However, some vaccines can be stored at room temperature up to 25 °C for short periods of time. This depends on the type of vaccine and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Temperature Setting

Vaccines are usually stored at 2°C to 8°C 36°F to 46°F but some vaccines can be stored between 4°C to 25°C 39°F to 77°F.

Docking station required for setup and download (Not Included).

Temperature setting depends on the vaccine type. For instance, live attenuated vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya, rabies, and others are stored at 2°C -8°C 36°F -46°F while non-live attenuated vaccines such as hepatitis A, B, C, typhoid, tetanus, and others are stored between 4°C -25°C 39°F -77°F.

Has an alarm feature for when temperatures exceed pre-set temperature ranges

Yes, the temperature range alarm feature allows users to set the upper and lower temperature limits for the unit. Once these limits are set, the unit will sound an alarm if the temperature exceeds either of the two limits. This alarm feature is useful for preventing accidental overheating of the unit.

Batteries are replaceable

Yes, batteries are replaceable. However, we recommend that you change the batteries every 6 months to ensure maximum performance from your appliance.

Comes with 2-year certification of calibration and a 2-year warranty on the device

Batteries are replaceable. However if you want to buy a new battery, please check the following link : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K9Q0X4O

Where to Place the Vaccine in the Fridge

You can place the vaccine in the refrigerator after opening the package. It is recommended to store the vaccine in the refrigerator for maximum shelf life. Once the vaccine is stored in the refrigerator, it is safe to use within 14 days. How to Store Your Vaccines

How to Package Vaccines in the Refrigerator

Vaccines are usually packaged in vials, tubes, ampoules, syringes, and other containers. These containers are designed to protect the vaccines from contamination and exposure to light. After removing the protective cap, you should remove any residual air from the container using a needle or syringe. Then you should gently squeeze the container to expel any remaining air. This step is important because if the vaccine contains preservatives, these preservatives could react with oxygen and become inactive. After removing the air from the container, you should label the container with the name of the vaccine and expiration date. You should also write the manufacturer’s name, lot number, and expiry date on the label. You should discard the unused portion of the vaccine immediately after the expiration date.

Where Should Vaccines That Require Refrigeration Be Stored? —

If you store vaccines in the refrigerator, you should place them in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight. In addition, you should avoid placing the vaccines near other items such as milk, juice, or ice cream.

Best Practices

Vaccine storage recommendations vary based on the vaccine type, but generally speaking, refrigerated vaccines should not be stored for longer than six months. For example, if you store influenza vaccine, you should store it in a refrigerator between 2°F 1°C and 8°F -18°C.

Quick Summary

Water bottles are not meant to be used as drinking vessels. It is important to ensure that the label is clearly visible and does not get covered by any other labels.

Store vaccineswith their original containers and packaging

Vaccines are very sensitive and need to be stored properly. Vaccine storage needs to be done in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep vaccine vials upright and store them in a refrigerator. Do not freeze vaccines. If you are traveling outside India, do not take vaccines. Use only the recommended dose of vaccine. Avoid sharing needles. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure about your vaccination status.

Daisy
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