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Vaccine store temperature
What temperature should be kept in the refrigerator to store vaccines?
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Thanks
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BEST PRACTICES FOR VACCINE STORAGE
The following should be considered as general information; however, you should always seek professional advice, specific to your individual circumstances.
Always follow manufacturer-specific instructions, but for most poultry vaccines, 2 to 8ºC (ideally around 5ºC) is considered optimal for long-term storage. Storing live and killed (inactivated) vaccines above 8ºC (may lead to loss of potency) or below 2ºC (especially freezing which can cause irreversible damage) can compromise their effectiveness and may lead to vaccine failure.
Some vaccines, such as Marek’s disease vaccine, may require storage in liquid nitrogen tanks (-196°C), but these are special cases and should be handled according to manufacturer guidelines.
During vaccine transport, maintain the cold chain by using insulated coolers with ice packs, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or heat.
Measure the temperature of the vaccines immediately upon arrival.
Use a dedicated refrigerator exclusively for vaccine storage; do not store food or drinks in the same unit, to minimize opening of the door, causing temperature fluctuations.
Store vaccines in the middle shelves of a refrigerator, not in the door, to ensure a stable temperature.
Don’t overstock the refrigerator, maintain 5-7cm of space around vaccine containers to ensure adequate air flow.
Keep vaccines in their original packaging with lids closed until administration to protect from light and contamination. This helps track expiration dates and lot numbers easily.
Arrange vaccines by expiration date, placing those with the earliest expiration in front to use them first.
Use thermometers or data loggers to regularly check and record the fridge temperature.
Display “Do Not Unplug” signs on vaccine refrigerators to prevent accidental power loss.
Before administration, inactivated vaccines are often brought to room temperature (15–25°C) as per manufacturer instructions but should not be stored at this temperature.
Follow manufacturer instructions for vaccine reconstitution and administration promptly to avoid potency loss.
A backup generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ensures the refrigeration system remains operational, keeping vaccines at the appropriate temperature even when the main power source fails.
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