Broadcast
FAX
DATE:
May 14, 2015
TO:
MnVFC Providers
FROM:
MnVFC Program
RE:
Protect your vaccine from severe weather
Please route to:
• Clinical supervisor
• Medical director
• Clinic manager
• Clinic staff
• Pharmacy
• Vaccine staff
As we have seen over the last couple of weeks, weather can be very unpredictable in Minnesota. This is a good time to
pull out your procedures on how to protect your vaccine supply during storms, floods, or power outages. Being prepared
can prevent the loss of expensive vaccine. For example, do you have a back-up power supply or an alternative place to
store vaccine if needed?
Guidance for packing and transporting vaccine can be found in the “Managing Vaccine” section of the GYS? Providers
Guide to Immunizations in Minnesota available on the web at:
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/hcp/provguide/mangvax.pdf (see page 31)
Some highlights from this piece include:
• Don’t use home refrigerators for overnight storage of any vaccine.
• Have the following packing supplies on hand:
o Two-inch thick Styrofoam coolers or hard-sided insulated containers
o Bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing paper for a two-inch packing barrier
o Thermometer
o Cold packs or frozen packs
o Labels
• Place two inches of bubble wrap or paper between the cold packs and the vaccine.
• Keep vaccines in their original boxes.
• Pack a thermometer with the vaccine and check the temperature when you unpack the vaccine.
• Include the following on the cooler label, “Fragile –Vaccines,” as well as the date and time the cooler was
packed.
• Frozen vaccines (i.e., varicella, zoster, MMRV) need special care.
o Use frozen packs to pack and transport frozen vaccine – dry ice is no longer recommended.
o Track the transport time and temperature of vaccine. If the temperature has gone above 5° F (-15° C),
contact the manufacturer to determine whether any action should to be taken.
If you have vaccine that may have been exposed to out-of-range temperatures, follow these three easy steps:
1. Stop using the vaccine.
2. Call MDH for guidance at 1-800-657-3970.
3. Document your actions.
Most importantly, please stay safe.
Vaccine Preventable Disease Section
625 N Robert Street * P.O. Box 64975 * St Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
www.health.state.mn.us/vfc
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