Correct Storage

Vaccines need to be stored correctly in order to prevent irreversible loss of potency. This makes the vaccine less effective at creating an immune response. 

Vaccines must be stored between +2 °C and +8 °C, in original packaging, and protected from light (as per the manufacturer's SPC). Best practice for vaccine storage should include:

• Storing vaccines immediately after delivery
• Using a specialised pharmaceutical fridge for vaccine storage that can either be locked or is in a lockable room
• Monitoring the temperature of the fridge daily with a maximum-minimum thermometer and recording the temperatures on a specifcally designed chart.
• Leaving spaces around the boxes in the fridge to allow air to circulate
• Ensuring vaccine packages do not come into contact with the side and the back of the fridge to prevent freezing
• Rotating stock
• Mangaging the cold chain

Vaccines Must Never be Frozen

Freezing damages vaccines, reducing potency and increasing risk of reactions due to:

• Protein denaturation
• Unstable emulsions
• Hairline cracks in containers (risk of contamination)
• Glass spicules (small sharp pointed fragments), which can cause local adverse reactions

Managing Cold Chain Failures

• Do not use vaccines exposed to incorrect temperatures until a risk assessmnet is completed
• Follow guidance in the UK Health Security Agency Vaccine Incidence Guidance
• Know your local cold chain policy and escalation contacts

Cool Box Use

• Use validated cool boxes/packs from trusted suppliers
• Include a max-min thermometer
• Record temperatures as session start and end
• Keep vaccines in original packaging, wrapped in insulating material (e.g. bubble wrap)
• Follow the manufacture's cold box instructions