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
- 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
- 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
- report temperatures outside the +2°C to +8°C range to ACT Health Immunisation Unit. Do not use or discard vaccines until advice is received.
- 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 using a temperature data logger
- use the ACT Health Vaccine Management Unit temperature data logger (VMU data logger) to record minimum, maximum and current temperature twice daily and record with the use of the vaccine fridge temperature chart.
VMU will review the VMU data logger temperatures prior to delivering vaccines. The VMU data logger readings will be used to determine if cold chain breach has occurred.
The VMU data loggers and probes are calibrated annually.
The probe, VMU data logger and glycol must remain with the government vaccines.
Cold chain breaches
A cold chain breach occurs when vaccine storage temperatures deviate outside the recommended range of +2°C to +8°C.
All vaccine fridge temperatures recorded below +2°C or above +8°C must be reported to ACT Health Immunisation Unit on 02 5124 9800.
What to do if there is a cold chain breach
You must report all cold chain breaches to the Vaccine Management Unit on 02 5124 9800 as soon as possible during office hours.
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 refrigerator or cooler if fridge is not back in range. Ensure the ACT Health Vaccine Management Unit data logger is transferred with the vaccines.
Take steps to correct the cause of the breach and to prevent it from recurring.
Do not discard vaccines provided by ACT Health.
Ensure all staff are aware of correct cold chain management and provide education if needed.
Using LogTag data loggers
Watch the instructional video on Vimeo about how to use ACT Health LogTag data loggers.
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: