Vaccine Storage Series: 3 Basic Handling Practices And Routines

There have been many CDC alerts and updates for a range of issues in the past year. A quick visit to the CDC website brings a flurry of information and data, which for some of us, can be difficult to sort through. There are routine revisions to "best practice" guides, all of which must be instituted in a timely fashion. For your convenience, SmartSense will be condensing a series of handling practices and routines for a variety of specified vaccines. This series will begin with a beginners guide to address basic storage and handling of vaccines, and will move deeper into specific instructions for Haemophilus influenzae type b, Human Papillomavius (HPV), and other common vaccines in the coming weeks. Of course, this will also include tips for temperature monitoring, temperature sensors and the general topic of 'temperature' as it relates to vaccine storage.

 

• Size Matters: Ensure that your refrigerator and freezer units are properly sized to handle the quantity of vaccines that you may order, and note that temperatures may vary between units. Utilize a temperature monitoring device to guarentee temperature accuracy for these storage units, and never "stuff" a unit to offset inadequate storage capability elsewhere.

• Division:  Divide all vaccines by type, and store them together appropriately. When possible, avoid 'uniting' different vaccines under the same storage roof, and never store consumables (food, drinks, yesterday's lunch) within vaccine-dedicated units. The seperation will improve your organization, contrasted with the 'all-vaccine-inclusive storage unit' that can easily become cluttered and may compromise the vaccines due to a variety of variables (air circulation, etc).

• NIST Certification: For all thermometers and temperature sensors, NIST certification sheets should be alongside their noted devices, and should be displayed clearly. Highlight the certificate's expiration date in red for easy reference on renewal.

• Temperature Tracking: If you use a temperature monitoring device, ensure that the device is transmitting temperature readings at least twice daily. If using manual logs, use extra caution in logging all temperatures, and keep explicit rules (time, person, method) for your data. As per the CDC, historical logs should be kept for three years at a minimum. 

• General Vaccine Placement: Never store vacines on the door of the unit, and allow air circulation between vaccines. Keep vaccines away from all walls and vents, as these areas show signiciant temperature variation. 

Management:

• Organize and Inspect: Make it easy on your staff by marking specified areas for specific vaccines within the storage units. Establish routine 'areas' for storage, and mark potential 'pain points' within the unit. If there are any noticable changes or unfamiliar markings, consult with your staff to uncover the reason for any irregularities. Inspect storage units on a daily basis and keep close watch for equipment malfunction and/or temperature variation. 

• Contaminated Vaccines: If vaccines have expired or have been potentially compromise, immediately label them with a bolded 'DO NOT USE' sticker. Keep these away from all usable vaccines in a seperate storage and maintain the appropriate temperature conditions. Follow all state-mandated procedures for disposal of the contaminated vaccines, and don't forget to educate your staff. 

  All of these tips and procedures are great when posted on a company bulletin board, but this is no substitute for adequate training. Employees must be capable, sensitive to the specific rules and guidelines, and should always follow the stated procedures without any type of 'ad-lib' or improvisation. If confusion still arises, hold an in-depth meeting to work on clarity and efficiency regarding the procedures and routines. Preparation is key, but implementation and adherance by your staff is just as important. Stay tuned for vaccine-specific advice in the coming weeks, and keep a sharp eye for any CDC updates specific to your needs. We'll do our best to keep up with the changes, and we'll update this series to keep you informed.