Storage and disposal of vaccines pt.2
A typical cold chain system for vaccines, Adapted from the Green Book, June 2013.
When stored in the refrigerator:
- There should be sufficient space around the packages for air to circulate.
- Packs should be kept away from the walls of the refrigerator to avoid freezing.
- It is best practice to aim for +5°C.
- It is best practice to rotate vaccine stocks so that those nearest their expiry dates are used first.
- Temperature must be monitored using an independent maximum-minimum thermometer and recorded at least once each working day.
- In situations where vaccines will be administered outside of the pharmacy setting, during transportation, vaccines must remain in a validated cool box, and the temperature must be monitored using an independent maximum-minimum thermometer and recorded at the start and end of each session.
Vaccine disposal
When disposing of vaccines, local policy and procedures should always be followed. Any equipment used for vaccination, such as vials, ampoules, syringes and needles should be disposed of in a proper ‘sharps’ box. The ‘sharps’ container should be sealed and replaced when it is two-thirds full. It should then be disposed of according to local contractual procedures.
To read further on the storage, distribution and disposal, take a look at the Green Book.