IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM
Proper Transport of Refrigerated Vaccine
Proper vaccine storage and handling assures that
the vaccine remains viable until administration.
Transport of the vaccine to an off-site clinic
requires special care. The vaccine coordinator or
backup are responsible for preparing vaccine for
transport.
Transporting all refrigerated
vaccine
Before you begin:
“Condition” the frozen gel packs. This means to
leave them at room temperature for 1-2 hours
until the edges have defrosted and they look like
they have been “sweating.” Cold packs that are not
conditioned can freeze vaccine. Do not use dry ice.
Use portable refrigerators or hard-sided coolers
with walls at least 2 inches thick. Don’t use
Styrofoam coolers, soft-sided coolers, or lunch
bags.
Prepare a temperature monitoring device with a
valid certificate of calibration to track
temperatures within the transport container.
Whenever possible, a data logger (separate from
the one in the refrigerator) is recommended.
The amount of vaccine transported should be
limited to the amount needed for a workday. The
amount of time planned for vaccine transport and
workday should total no more than a maximum of
eight hours. (If you must have vaccine in transport
for longer periods, contact MDH for guidance.)
Diluents should always be transported with their
corresponding vaccine to ensure that there are
equal amounts for reconstitution. If the diluent is
stored at room temperature, refrigerate it before
transporting in the same container as other
refrigerated vaccines so that it will not increase the
temperature of the cooler.
A partially used vial should only be transported
when absolutely necessary. It may only be
transported among clinics operated by the same
provider. Partially used vials can never be
transported across state lines.
Ensure that you have the appropriate
documentation including a temperature log and
packing slip or transfer form.
Packing the cooler:
1.
2.
Place conditioned cold packs on the bottom of
the cooler.
Place a minimum of two inches of insulating
barrier over the cold packs (e.g., bubble wrap,
brown packing paper, or newspaper).
Don’t place vaccines directly on or next
to cold packs.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Place vaccines (in their original packaging) in a
plastic bag on top of the insulating barrier.
Place the probe of the temperature
monitoring device in the middle of the vaccine
in the cooler.
Add another two-inch layer of insulating
barrier.
Add another layer of conditioned cold packs.
Place the display of the temperature
monitoring device where it can be read.
Secure lid; tape if necessary.
Label the contents as “Perishable” or
“Biologics” or “Vaccines.”
While in transport:
Do not leave vaccine unattended.
Do not store vaccine in the trunk of a passenger
car.
PROPER TRANSPORT OF REFRIGERATED VACCINE
While at off-site clinic:
Vaccine manufacturers:
If the vaccine must be kept in the transport
container during an off-site clinic temperatures
should be read and recorded at least hourly.
Sanofi Pasteur .............................. .800-822-2463
Containers should remain closed as much as
possible.
Remove only the amount of vaccine that you
expect to use right away from the cooler, or no
more than 1 multi-dose vial or 10 doses, whichever
is less.
Take action on out-of-range
temperatures!
Novartis Vaccine ............................ 877-244-7668
MedImmune ...................................... 877-358-6478
GlaxoSmithKline ............................ 866-475-8222
Merck ............................................ 800-637-2579
bioCSL ............................................ 888-435-8633
Pfizer.............................................. 800-934-5556
Protein Sciences Corporation ........ 203-686-0800
Questions?
MDH Immunization Program ........ 651-201-5503
If temperatures fall out of range, take immediate
action:
Determine the cause, if possible.
1-800-657-3970
CDC Hotline ................................ 1-800-232-4636
Stop using the vaccine.
Mark the vaccine “Do Not Use” so staff
won’t inadvertently administer it.
Move the vaccine to a refrigerator that’s
maintaining the correct temperature –
apart from other vaccines – until you can
determine if it is viable. Do not throw it
away!
Call the vaccine manufacturer for guidance
right away.
For more information, contact:
Minnesota Department of Health
Immunization Program
651-201-5503 or 1-800-657-3970
www.mdhflu.com
9/2015
Make sure to ask to speak to the medical
consultant or quality assurance staff.
Be ready to provide the temperature
details, lot numbers, and expiration
dates.
Document your actions.
Out-of-range temperatures for vaccine
Below 35°F (2°C)
Above 46°F (8°C)
2