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.
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
“Do Not Unplug” Signage for Storage Units (EZIZ)
“Do Not Stop Power” Signage for Circuit Breaker
Safeguard Your Power Supply (EZIZ)
Refrigerator Cold Chain Management
Preparing for Vaccine Storage (EZIZ)
Transport of Refrigerated Vaccines
Freezer Cold Chain Management
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.
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
Additional Resources
From the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC):
IAC: Checklist for Safe Vaccine Storage & Handling
IAC: Errors in Vaccine Storage and Handling
LogTag® Data Logger Resources*
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
*These resources are intended for use by Wyoming Public Vaccine Program Providers only.
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