VACCINE STORAGE Overview Vaccine Storage Basics Training Maintaining
VACCINE STORAGE
Overview • • • Vaccine Storage Basics Training Maintaining Temperatures Storage & Handling Multi-dose Vials
Vaccine Storage – The Basics • Designated and trained staff • Adhering to protocols, guidelines and standard operating procedures in the practice setting • Maintain vaccine potency and minimize waste
Vaccine Storage – The Basics • Maintain required fridge temperatures • Organization and placement of vaccine supply and maintain optimal handling practices • Contingency planning for refrigerator malfunctions and electricity disruptions
Designated Staff & Staff Training Health care providers storing and handling publicly-funded vaccines require knowledge: • Importance of cold chain • How to recognize a cold chain incident • The appropriate action to be taken in the event of a vaccine exposure • Vaccine storage and handling practices
Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines Can be obtained: • Online: http: //www. health. gov. on. ca/en/pr o/programs/publichealth/oph_stan dards/docs/reference/vaccine%20 _storage_handling_guidelines_en. pdf • From your local public health unit.
Maintaining Potency of Vaccines • Always store between +2 C and +8 C • Notify NWHU of vaccine exposures outside recommended storage temps • Avoid freezing of vaccines and diluents • Keep vaccine/diluents under cold chain, remove and prepare right before administration
Maintaining Temperatures • Know functions and components of the vaccine refrigerator • Modify, stabilize and maintain temperature between +2 and +8 C • Ensure refrigerator capacity • Keep the door tightly closed and reduce number of openings
Maintaining Temperatures • Ensure the refrigerator is optimally placed • Be aware of seasonal variations in room temperature • Perform regular maintenance • Prevent accidental shut off or unplugging
Maintaining Temperatures • Fill drawers, lower shelves, and door with water bottles • Keep ice packs in the freezer for use during transport or refrigerator malfunction • Have a contingency plan
Storage and Handling • Vaccine must be kept secured • Insulated vaccine container(s) with packing material and a temperature monitoring device is on hand
Storage and Handling • Cold chain materials available: – How to monitor refrigerator temperature magnet – Protect your vaccine, Protect your patients poster – Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines
Storage and Handling • Store in the middle of internal shelves • Organize vaccine by product, and store in original packaging • Leave space between vaccine products and packages • Check expiry dates regularly – never store expired vaccine • Rotate Stock
Storage and Handling • Protect vaccines from sunlight and fluorescent light • Use vaccine previously exposed to a cold chain incident first (if cleared) • Remove vaccine from refrigerator right before immediate use
Storage and Handling • Never leave vaccine on the counter or floor • Do not store anything other than vaccines and medications that require refrigeration in the vaccine storage unit
Multi-dose Vials • Mark/date the vial when it was opened • Return unused vaccine to the refrigerator immediately after drawing up the required dose • Aseptic technique for withdrawal of vaccine must be followed at all times • Discard within 30 days or as per the manufacturer’s instructions indicated in the product monograph
- Slides: 18