A Clinician’s Handbook for Childhood & Adult Immunizations in Georgia
Vaccine Storage and Handling
Assign Responsibility of Handling Vaccines
One person should take primary responsibility for handling vaccines, but a back-up person should also be designated. Every employee should know what to do if a vaccine shipment arrives.
Check Vaccine Shipments
Examine shipments carefully, checking the cooler and contents for physical damage. Compare contents to packing slips. Check the shipping date. Document vaccines received on inventory log.
Store in Appropriate Type of Refrigerator or Freezer
CDC recommends stand-alone units, meaning self-contained units that only refrigerate or freeze suitable for vaccine storage (no dorm-style refrigerators). Food and beverages should not be stored with vaccines!
Store in Appropriate Location in Refrigerator and Freezer
Vaccines should be stored in the center, allowing for proper ventilation. Do NOT store in doors, vegetable bins, loc-tight containers, on the bottom, or near the sides of the unit.
Keep Vaccines Organized
Rotate stock, routinely checking expiration dates. Label open vials. Keep VFC stock separate from privately purchased vaccines.
Check and Document Temperatures
VFC providers are required to check and record storage unit minimum and maximum temperatures at the start of each workday. If storage unit does not display min and max temperatures, then record the current temperature a minimum of 2 times per day (at the start and end of workday). This should be done even if there is a temperature alarm.
- Take all temperatures in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.
- Record ambient room temperature as well (a standard household thermometer is sufficient for this purpose).
- Keep temperature log posted on refrigerator and keep records for at least 3 years. If Temperatures are Outside of Ranges for the Refrigerator and/or Freezer, Take Appropriate Actions.
- Notify primary/alternate vaccine coordinator or immediate supervisor.
- Store the vaccine under proper conditions as quickly as possible.
- Temporarily mark exposed vaccines “DO NOT USE” until you have verified whether or not the vaccine may be used.
- Phone manufacturer of vaccine or VFC (404-657-5013) to check on viability of Do NOT immediately discard vaccine!
- Document the action taken.
Have a Routine Vaccine S&H Plan/Emergency Vaccine Retrieval and Storage Plan
Identify alternate personnel, locations and equipment to provide temporary storage for vaccines in the event of a power failure or natural disaster. Update plan annually!
Take Other Preventive Measures
Avoid using power outlets with built-in circuit switches. Use a safety-lock or an outlet cover. Post warning signs at the plug and on the refrigerator/freezer units. Label fuses and circuit breakers. Install a temperature alarm. Use water bottles and frozen coolant. Check door seals. Clean the coils and motor. Install back-up generators.
For more information, refer to CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit
| Required Temperature Ranges | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fahrenheit | Min | Max | Celsius | Min | Max |
| Freezer | -58 | 5 | Freezer | -50 | -15 |
| Refrigerator | 36 | 46 | Refrigerator | 2 | 8 |