Vaccine Storage Guide

Outdated or improperly stored vaccines won't protect patients!

Updated 5/12
Vaccine Storage Guide: Two-page illustrated guide to vaccine storage temperatures and where and how to store vaccine in a refrigerator-only unit, freezer-only unit, and combination refrigerator/freezer unit. Includes tips for proper storage and management of vaccines.

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Follow these guidelines for proper vaccine management:

Designate one fully trained staff member to be the primary vaccine coordinator and at least one person to be backup. Ensure ongoing training.

Manage vaccine inventory

Review your vaccine inventory on a monthly basis and with each vaccine order to avoid over-ordering.
Check vaccine expiration dates.
Rotate your vaccine supply by placing vaccines with the earliest expiration dates in front of other vaccines and always use them first.
Identify vaccine that will expire and determine if it should be transferred.
Call the MnVFC program (651-201-5522 or 800-657-3970) if you have any MnVFC vaccine that will expire within 3 months that you cannot use.
If you have stock of both private and MnVFC vaccine, mark them clearly.

Store vaccine correctly

Place a thermometer in the center of the refrigerator or freezer near the vaccines.
Use open trays, wire baskets, or other uncovered containers to help organize vaccines.
Clearly label each container with the vaccine type. Avoid storing look-alike, sound-alike vaccine next to each other (e.g., Td and DT, HepA and HepB).
Keep vaccines in their original packaging.
Store vaccines on the middle shelves and 2 to 3 inches from the walls of the refrigerator/freezer, not in the door or bins.
Keep water bottles, jugs, or cold packs in the refrigerator and frozen packs or other ice-filled containers in the freezer. Mark water bottles “DO NOT DRINK.”
Make sure you have enough space to store vaccine for the back-to- school rush and flu season.

Monitor temperatures

Use thermometers that come with a certificate stating they have been calibrated according to national standards. Without this certificate thermometers are not acceptable, because their accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Check and record refrigerator and freezer temperatures twice a day, first thing in the morning and last thing at the close of business.
Record temperature readings on a temperature log and post it in a visible location on or near the refrigerator or freezer.
Be sure to keep temperature logs for 3 years.
Make sure the door is shut.
Take immediate action on all out-of-range temperatures!

Take action on out-of-range temperatures

Determine the cause.
Adjust the thermostat, if necessary.
Monitor the temperature. If the temperature doesn’t stabilize in the correct range within two hours:
- Contact the vaccine coordinator.
- Stop using the vaccine.
- Mark the vaccine “DO NOT USE."
- Move the vaccine to a refrigerator/freezer that’s maintaining the correct temperature.
- Call for guidance right away. For MnVFC vaccine call 651-201-5522 or 800-657-3970. For private purchase vaccine, check your purchase agreement for guidance.
- Document your actions.