Announcement
Date: July 7, 2016
To:
MnVFC Providers
From: MnVFC Program
Re:
Updated CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit and updated
Fahrenheit temperature range for storing refrigerated vaccine
Please route to:
• Clinical supervisor
• Medical director
• Clinic manager
• Clinic staff
• Pharmacy
• Vaccine staff
Updated CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit available
The updated CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/storage/toolkit/index.html)
is now available. This resource provides best practices related to vaccine storage and handling based on
recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), product information from vaccine
manufacturers, and scientific studies.
Change to recommended Fahrenheit temperature range for refrigerated vaccine
The Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit includes a change to the Fahrenheit temperature range for storing
refrigerated vaccine:
• The new recommended Fahrenheit temperature range for refrigerated vaccine is 36°F - 46°F (previously
35°F - 46°F).
• The Celsius temperature range is still 2°C - 8°C.
• Providers should aim for a temperature of 40°F/ 5°C for storing refrigerated vaccines.
Why did CDC make this change?
This adjustment ensures that the recommended Fahrenheit temperature range does not conflict with the package
inserts of any routinely recommended vaccines. Additionally, vaccine potency depends on proper storage conditions.
Increasing the recommended range from 35°F to 36°F decreases the risk of freezing vaccine. Exposure to freezing
temperatures can destroy refrigerated vaccine in minutes with no visible indication of freeze damage.
Going forward
• Aim for a temperature of 40°F/ 5°C for storing refrigerated vaccine.
• Do not discard any vaccine or revaccinate patients if your vaccine has been stored at 35°F. Make adjustments so
your storage unit is in the new recommended range.
• Modify your temperature logs to reflect the new Fahrenheit range. For example, indicate that 35°F is too cold
for vaccine by highlighting that row on the temperature log.
o We are updating our resources, including temperature logs. Watch for announcements as updated items
become available.
• Adjust alarm thresholds on any vaccine temperature monitoring devices to reflect the new Fahrenheit range of
36°F - 46°F for refrigerated vaccine.
• Update your policies and procedures, and train staff on the new recommended range.
• Closely monitor combination household units, if using both sections, to maintain refrigerator temperatures in
the proper range.
If you have questions, call the MnVFC program at 651-201-5522 or 1-800-657-3970 or email health.mnvfc@state.mn.us.
MnVFC Program
651-201-5522, 800-657-3970
www.health.state.mn.us/vfc