Vaccine Storage

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides federally purchased vaccines for eligible children, at no charge, to public and private healthcare providers for immunizing children through 18 years of age, who are Medicaid enrolled, uninsured, without insurance that covers immunizations, or Native American/Alaskan Natives.

Immunization Program staff travel across the state of Florida performing on-site immunization reviews at VFC provider sites. These reviews reveal that an alarmingly high number of VFC providers are improperly storing their vaccines. This results in wasted vaccine and, in some cases, suspension of providers from the VFC Program. When recommended temperatures are not maintained, vaccines may lose their potency and result in children being inadequately immunized and requiring additional vaccinations.

Recommendations for Handling and Storage of Selected Biologicals:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vac-mgt-book.htm

Requirements necessary to ensure proper vaccine storage:

1. Appropriate refrigerators and freezers must be used; a full-sized refrigerator with a separate, insulated, frost-free freezer is recommended.

2. Vaccines must be stored at the appropriate temperatures; store vaccines at the temperatures indicated on the package insert. Vaccines intended for refrigeration are to be stored between 35 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees Celsius). Temperatures above or below this range can destroy the potency of vaccines and render them ineffective. Varicella vaccines must be frozen. Varicella vaccine is particularly sensitive to warm temperatures and must be maintained at an average of 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius) or colder. Measles vaccines must be protected from light at all times, since such exposure may inactivate the vaccine viruses.

3. Temperatures must be monitored and recorded daily; accurate thermometers should be placed next to the vaccines in the middle of the freezer and the refrigerator. Temperatures should be recorded at least twice each day on a temperature log posted on or next to the refrigerator.

Because of the critical importance of administering safe and effective vaccines, we cannot guarantee continued participation in the VFC Program for providers who do not adhere to these requirements. If during an onsite review, it is determined the vaccine is being stored improperly and is not usable, providers will be instructed to return it immediately to the Florida Department of Health Central Pharmacy. Vaccine shipments will then be suspended until we are sure the proper requirements are being met. The checklist, temperature log, and refrigerator chart (Available in the VFC Provider Manual - Section 4 [PDF 1.4 MB]) should provide further assistance in ensuring appropriate storage and handling.

Be sure to:

1. Familiarize the appropriate staff with these materials.

2. Post the temperature log and chart on or next to each vaccine refrigerator/freezer.

3. Record refrigerator and freezer temperatures twice daily, as indicated on the log.

4. Adjust the thermostat if temperature is recorded outside the recommended range and contact the manufacturer.

If you have any questions, please contact the VFC Program at 1-800-483-2543.