The easiest way to ensure you’ll show up at a wellness event with effective, non-damaged flu vaccine is to store it properly the entire time it’s in your possession. Remember that the primary contractor is responsible for receiving vaccine shipments, storing vaccine and transporting vaccine to events.
You could be a primary contractor with multiple other secondary contractors. But you could also be a primary contractor if you’re the only contractor working your flu event.
There are a few things to keep in mind when storing vaccine for your next flu event. Check them out here, but make sure you also read through the details in the “Flu Event Procedures” section of the TotalWellness Contractor Manual (which is found in the Scheduling System).
Where to Store
You have a couple of different options when it comes to vaccine storage location. Be sure you have these locations prepared so you can store the vaccine immediately upon receiving your shipment.
Option 1: A Separate Fridge
If you work a lot of events as a primary contractor, it might be helpful to invest in a separate fridge designated for vaccine storage. This type of fridge would need to be big enough to hold vaccine and a few water bottles (to help maintain the temperature). The CDC has a full description in their toolkit.
Option 2: A Separate Shelf
If you’re not sold on investing in a separate fridge, you can store vaccine in a fridge you already own. The vaccine needs to be allocated an entire shelf, though. It cannot share a shelf with any food or other items you normally store in your fridge.
For more details on the types of fridges in which you can and cannot store vaccine, please read through the details in the contractor manual.
How to Store
Regardless of the location you choose for storage, there are some things you need to know about storing vaccine properly. The first—and probably most important—thing to remember is that vaccine needs to be stored between 36°F - 46°F (2°- 8°C), with a desired average temperature of 40°F (5°C).
You’ll also need to store vaccine in its original, closed packaging in a clean, dry container (like a Ziploc bag) in the center of the fridge, at least 2-3 inches from walls, floor, ceiling and vents. Allow enough space between the boxes of vaccine that the cold air can circulate among all the boxes evenly.
The vaccine will be shipped to you in a Styrofoam cooler, but do not store it in the fridge while it’s still inside the cooler. That will actually keep the cool air out of the container and away from the vaccine.
Vaccine is also shipped with a temperature indicator and thermometer. Please keep those devices with the vaccine at all times. That will ensure you can properly monitor the temperature of the vaccine at any given time.
Monitoring Vaccine
We ask that you regularly monitor the vaccine you’re responsible for while it’s in your possession. Each vaccine shipment will include a thermometer and a temperature indicator (for freezing and overheating).
You’ll need to document all vaccine monitoring information on the Vaccine Storage and Transport Log that was provided with your shipment. Return the completed log to TotalWellness in your return shipment box.
Please monitor and record the temperature of the vaccine when you receive the shipment, and twice a day while it’s in your possession (morning and night). When you transport the vaccine to and from your event, monitor and record the temperature when you remove the vaccine from your fridge, when you arrive at the event, once every hour while you’re at the event, and before you return the vaccine to TotalWellness.
Please contact our shipping team immediately if:
- The thermometer reads less than 36°F or above 46°F.
- The LIMITmarker™ indicator’s circle is red or pink.
- The FREEZEmarker® indicator’s circle is cloudy or opaque.
Then we can get in touch with the manufacturer for further recommendations on using that vaccine.
As a company, we take great care in storing and monitoring vaccine. We entrust that job to you when the vaccine is in your possession. It’s your responsibility to ensure the vaccine has maintained the proper cold chain while it’s with you.
What questions do you have about proper vaccine storage for wellness events?
