Cold chain (Storage and transportation of Vaccines at low temperature)
It is a system of storing and transportation of Vaccines at low temperature from manufacturer to the actual vaccination site.
The cold chain includes all materials, equipments, and procedures used to maintain vaccines in required temperature range of 2 to 8 degree Celsius from the time of manufacture until the vaccines are administered.
Requirement of cold chain
It is necessary to prevent spoilage of vaccines due to unfavorable temperature and transport.
The vaccines are of different kinds and they are stored at different temperatures.
1. Some vaccine are stored in "freezer compartment".
For example; polio and measles vaccines.
2. Some vaccines are never stored in freezer but stored in refrigerator. For example; Typhoid, DPT, tetanus toxoids, DT, BCG and dilutents.
3. Most of vaccines are recommended at store at 2-8 degrees celcius.
Cold Chain Equipment
1. Refrigerators
a. Deep freeze
b. Ice lined refrigerators (ILR)
c. Small deep freezers
2. Walk in cold (WIC) room
3. Cold boxes
4. Vaccine carrier
5. Day carrier
6. Ice packs/cold packs
Importance of cold chain
Vaccines are sensitive biological substances that can loose their potency and effectiveness if they are exposed to heat/direct sunlight.
General practices for vaccine stroage and handling.
Most vaccine must be kept refrigerated between 2 to 8 degree Celsius at all times.
Domestic refrigerator/ ice lined refrigerator (ILR) are used for short term stroage and deep freezer for long term storage l.
For long storage -20 degree Celsius only for BCG, OPV and measles/MMR. Don't freeze other vaccines.
Always store vaccines on middle shelves of refrigerator.
Leave space between vaccine package in the refrigerator to allow air to circulate.
Check vaccine expiry date regularly and before use. Remove expired vaccine.
Protect vaccine from sunlight/heat.
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