Vaccine Storage and Handling

Improper storage and handling of vaccines is a significant concern in Ontario. Surveys carried out by the Ministry of Health and The College of Physicians and Surgeons over the past four years indicate that in as many as 30% of physicians offices and clinics , the vaccine fridge is either too hot or too cold for safe vaccine storage. Vaccines are often kept out of the fridge between appointments and approximately 10% of all vaccine ordered by doctors offices and clinics expires prior to it being used.

The "cold chain" is all the equipment, materials and procedures used to maintain vaccines in the temperature range of +2C - +8C from the time of manufacture until administration of the vaccines. The effect of leaving vaccines out of the refrigerator, even for short periods of time, can be a decrease in potency.

Vaccine Storage Tips

• Always keeps vaccines refrigerated between +2 - +8 degrees Celsius
• Check the current max. and min. fridge temperature twice daily to ensure that the vaccines you will be using have not been exposed to temperatures below  +2 or above +8 degrees C.
• Never store vaccines on refrigerator door shelves or vegetable crispers. Vaccines kept on the door will be exposed to warm temperatures every time the refrigerator door is opened. Always store vaccine on the middle shelf of the refrigerator.
• Check vaccine expiry dates regularly, and only order the amount of each vaccine that you can use in a one month period.
• Take vaccine out of the refrigerator only when ready to administer.  Be sure to put vaccines back in the refrigerator immediately after you have finished using them.
• Always return expired vaccine to your public health department for disposal and inventory management.

Call the health unit immediately at 625-5942 or 625-5904 if temperatures have gone below 2'C or above 8'C . Place vaccines in a bag marked "DO NOT USE" and continue storing them in the fridge.