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Immunization Unit

The mission of the Wyoming Immunization Unit is to support and promote immunization services through collaboration, education and resources to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases in Wyoming.

Contact Info:

Wyoming Department of Health
Immunization Unit
122 West 25th Street, 3rd Floor West
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7952
Fax: (307) 777-3615

Email Us

Vaccine Storage and Handling

Proper vaccine storage and handling is extremely important as it plays a large role in preventing and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases. Failing to store vaccines properly can lead to decreased potency of the vaccines and poor protection against disease. Choosing the right type of  refrigerator or freezer unit to store vaccine, knowing the temperatures vaccines need to be stored at, and proper protocols for the regular transport of vaccine or during an emergency are just a few of the many aspects of proper vaccine storage that healthcare professionals need to be knowledgeable about.

Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit reflects best practices for vaccine storage and handling from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, product information from vaccine manufacturers, and scientific studies.

Everything you need for a successful vaccine program is in the Toolkit.

CDC Storage and Handling Toolkit

COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling

COVID-19 Vaccine Storage Units & Temperature Monitoring

All vaccine storage units must be approved for use by the Immunization Unit prior to any vaccine being stored in the Unit. Please email wdh.covidenrollment@wyo.gov  for additional information and for storage unit approval.

For more information on vaccine storage and handling requirements, please visit https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/immunization-provider-resources/vaccine-storage-and-handling/

Vaccine Temperatures must be monitored using a calibrated data logger thermometer and temperatures need to be recorded twice per day when the office is open and/or staffed. Temperature logs will need to be submitted monthly between the 1st – 5th prior to placing COVID-19 vaccine orders and must also be kept for at least three years and will need to be made available for review during site visits.The Immunization Unit can request temperature logs to be submitted at any time for review. Please utilize the following temperature logs:

For more information on COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling visit these web pages:

Storage Equipment

The types of refrigerators and freezers that vaccines are stored in as well as the types of thermometers used to monitor temperatures of vaccines play a key role in making sure the vaccine that is administered to patients is as effective as possible. Making sure the units are setup in a way that is most efficient for vaccine storage is also critical. Below are all of the resources you need to make sure the equipment in your facility is ready for vaccine storage.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Vaccine Storage Units

Vaccine Storage Unit Guidelines  

Vaccine-Storage-Unit-Setup-Checklist

“Do Not Unplug” Signage for Storage Units (EZIZ)

“Do Not Stop Power” Signage for Circuit Breaker

Refrigerator Cold Chain Management

Preparing for Vaccine Storage (EZIZ)

Storing Vaccines (EZIZ)

Freezer Cold Chain Management

Preparing for Vaccine Storage (EZIZ)

Storing Vaccines (EZIZ)

Thermometers

Thermometer Purchasing Guide   

Thermometer Calibration Certificate Checklist

A Step-By-Step Guide to Selecting and Using a Data Logger for Vaccine Inventory

Vaccine Management

Making sure all of the staff in your facility know exactly how to manage the vaccines in your facility is very important. Whether a shipment arrives, vaccines need to be re-located due to a power outage or storage unit failure, having the tools to know what to do is going to ensure proper protocols are followed at all times. The Vaccine Management Plan templates below will help your facility know what to do to keep your vaccines protected at all times.

Vaccine Management Plans

Vaccine Management Plan Template for Public Vaccine Program Providers

Vaccine Management Plan Template for Providers Not Enrolled in a Public Vaccine Program                                           

Emergency Plan Template  

Emergency Vaccine Retrieval and Storage Plan (CDC S&H Toolkit)

Vaccine Inventory Management (CDC S&H Toolkit)

Off-Site/On-Site Vaccination Clinic Resources

Is your facility planning on having a Back-to-School or Flu Clinic? If so, make sure you know what to do to make sure your vaccines are safe throughout the process. It is very important that vaccines are stored at the proper temperatures at all times and that you have everything you need for your clinic no matter what situations arise. The resources below will assist you in having a successful clinic!

Vaccine Clinic Resources

Guidelines for Large-Scale Influenza Vaccination Clinic

Vaccination Clinic Supply Checklist 

Additional Resources

From the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC):

IAC: Checklist for Safe Vaccine Storage & Handling

IAC: Errors in Vaccine Storage and Handling

LogTag® Data Loggers

The Wyoming Immunization Program has specific recommendations and guidelines for publicly supplied vaccine temperature monitoring including the configuration and use of data logger devices.

The resources below will assist your facility in configuring the LogTag® data loggers as well as how to use them daily to monitor and record temperatures. If followed in order, the guides will walk through out of the box setup to using the devices. Used individually, the guides are quick and easy resources to train staff on how to properly use the devices in your facility.

LogTag Resources