Broadcast
FAX
DATE:
April 23, 2015
TO:
MnVFC Providers
FROM:
MnVFC Program
RE:
MDH thermometer distribution ending
Please route to:
• Clinical supervisor
• Medical director
• Clinic manager
• Clinic staff
• Pharmacy
• Vaccine staff
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently informed the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
that we can no longer use our funding to purchase thermometers for clinics. Your clinic may have previously received
thermometers from MDH by directly requesting them or receiving them during your MnVFC site visit. We were
fortunate to have been able to provide these thermometers to participating clinics and are sad to see them go. We
recognize that this is an unfortunate change and apologize for the inconvenience.
We have a limited number of thermometers to distribute until we run out. You can request these thermometers if your
current temperature monitoring device’s calibration will expire in the next two months. If this is the case, you can
request up to four thermometers via an online form at https://survey.vovici.com/se.ashx?s=56206EE30D7194F7.
Thermometers you have received from MDH are yours to keep. Do not return them to MDH. Consult with your facility’s
durable medical equipment supplier about purchasing thermometers in the future.
Resources on temperature monitoring:
• MnVFC requirements related to temperature monitoring devices
o MnVFC Separate Stock Clinics: Policies and Procedures Manual, 2015 is available at
www.health.state.mn.us/vfc (pp. 17-20).
o MnVFC Replacement Clinics: Policies and Procedures Manual, 2015 is available at
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/mnvfc/replacement (pp. 17-20).
• Temperature monitoring best practices, options for recalibration, and other resources
o CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/storage/toolkit (pp. 37-44).
• MDH will be creating a guidance document with information on purchasing temperature monitoring devices and
calibration and will send a broadcast fax once it is available.
CDC Data Logger Project
MDH has a limited number of data loggers available through one-time storage and handling grant funds. To receive
data loggers, clinics must agree to send data logger files to the MnVFC program monthly for the first three months
of use. If you would like to participate in this project, fill out this online request form:
https://survey.vovici.com/se.ashx?s=56206EE30D7194F7.
If you have any questions about the data logger project, please email [email protected].
Vaccine Preventable Disease Section
625 N Robert Street * P.O. Box 64975 * St Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
www.health.state.mn.us/vfc
MnVFC PROGRAM: 651-201-5522 or 800-657-3970