Cold chain monitoring
This page has information for immunisation providers on ordering and storing vaccines.
Cold chain
Cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of +2°C to +8°C. The optimal storage temperature for vaccines is +5°C.
Immunisation service providers
All staff involved in managing National Immunisation Program vaccines are asked to complete appropriate training. NSW Health offers a free, 30-minute NSW Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management online training program. You'll receive a certificate on completion.
Immunisation service providers must:
- store vaccines in a purpose-built vaccine refrigerator (fridge)
- report temperatures outside the +2°C to +8°C range on the ACT Cold Chain Breach or Wastage Reporting form. Do not use or discard vaccines until advice is received.
- Monitor and record manually the minimum, maximum and current temperature of the fridge twice daily, or more if required. Download and review datalogger reading reports weekly.
- educate all people responsible for handling vaccines so they understand the importance of effective vaccine management
- nominate a staff member to be responsible for vaccine management, and a back-up staff member to take responsibility in their absence
- ensure that policies, procedures and protocols are in place for vaccine management in all facilities within the practice or organisation
- ensure that plans are in place for responses to cold chain breaches and power failures in all facilities within the practice or organisation
- Submit the form as soon as the temperature is back within the recommended range of +2°C to +8°C. If you anticipate the breach will last for a prolonged time, contact the Immunisation Section on 5124 9800.
- follow the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines guidance for using ice or gel packs and monitoring vaccines in coolers.
Vaccine fridge
Purpose-built and vaccine specific fridges are the only suitable option for vaccine storage.
- do not overstock
- ensure adequate fridge space to allow air flow around vaccines
- consider space requirements for influenza vaccines
- use labelled, open baskets to allow air flow around the vaccines
- ensure vaccine packaging is not touching the walls of the fridge
- inspect the fridge for signs of condensation or ice build-up regularly
- rotate vaccines to ensure the oldest stock is used first
- vaccine fridges must be continuously monitored at 5-minute intervals using a temperature data logger
- download temperature monitoring weekly and retain records for 5 years
- Record temperature monitoring using the vaccine fridge temperature chart twice daily.
The Immunisation Section may request temperature monitoring data to ensure compliance with the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines.
Cold chain breaches
A cold chain breach occurs when vaccine storage temperatures deviate outside the recommended range of +2°C to +8°C.
‘UV light exposure’ on vaccines during storage also has negative effects on the viability of vaccines. All vaccines must be kept in original packaging.
All vaccine fridge temperatures recorded below +2°C or above +8°C must be reported using the ACT Cold Chain Breach or Wastage Reporting form. Do not use or discard vaccines until advice is received.
What to do if there is a cold chain breach
Isolate vaccines and place a ‘do not use’ sign on the fridge.
Continue to store vaccines between +2°C to +8°C. The vaccines may need to be transferred to an alternate purpose-built vaccine fridge or cooler if fridge is not back in range.
Ensure a downloadable datalogger is always transferred with the vaccines.
Take steps to correct the cause of the breach and to prevent it from recurring.
Do not discard vaccines involved in a cold chain breach until advice is provided by Immunisation Section.
Ensure all staff are aware of correct cold chain management and provide education if needed.
For any queries, contact the Immunisation Section on 02 5124 9800 during business hours.
Storing vaccines
If you are responsible for ordering, storing, receiving, and administering vaccines, you must understand the principles of vaccine storage.
Go to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website for best practice resources: