Kiss Guide to Vaccine Management

'Vaccine Management' refers to the effective and appropriate storage and handling of vaccines.

Vaccines are delicate biological substances that can become less effective or destroyed if they are:

• Frozen
• Allowed to get too hot
• Exposed to direct sunlight or fluorescent light

Vaccines must be stored and transported at all times within the recommended temperature range of +2°C to +8°C.  The cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of +2°C to +8°C.  ‘Strive for 5’ as this gives greater leeway for protection against temperature fluctuations.

Checklist for vaccine storage:

1. Reliable and stable fridge with adequate capacity
2. Accurate and reliable temperature monitoring equipment
3. Written process for monitoring and recording temperatures
4. Temperature probe is place appropriately
5. Education and information for everyone handling vaccines
6. Maintenance schedule for temperature monitoring equipment, checking the accuracy of the thermometer and changing batteries
7. Written process for dealing with a cold chain breach
8. Written process for ordering and rotating stock
9. Written process on receiving vaccine
10. Written process for managing a power failure

Taken from National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5 page 5