GUIDELINES ON STORAGE OF VACCINES
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The member of staff receiving delivery of vaccines must ensure immediate storage of
vaccines in the refrigerator.
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The refrigerator temperature should be checked daily using the maximum/minimum
thermometer and recorded.
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No food stuffs should be stored in the vaccine refrigerator at any time.
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If defrosting of the refrigerator is necessary, carry this out regularly. During the
defrosting, store vaccines in an alternative refrigerator or in a cool box.
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No more than 50% of the internal volume of the refrigerator should be filled in order to
allow air circulation.
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Avoid frequent opening of the refrigerator door.
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Vaccines should not be stored in the refrigerator door.
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Vaccines must never be stored in a freezer compartment.
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Ensure that the electrical supply to the refrigerator cannot be accidentally interrupted.
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If transfer of vaccines between clinics is necessary, use a cool box and minimise transit
times.
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Stocks should be rotated in the refrigerator to ensure that those vaccines with the earliest
expiry date are used first.
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Any vaccine remaining in a used multidose vial must be discarded at the end of the clinic
session.
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At the end of a clinic session any unused ampoules or vials of vaccine must be identified
and returned to the refrigerator. These vaccines should be used first at subsequent
sessions.