Vaccines are an essential part of modern healthcare. Vaccines help prevent disease and enable people to live longer healthier lives – but they need to be stored at the right temperature to remain effective. With the vaccine demand increasing annually, it is crucial to know how best to maintain them and what options are available. This buying guide will give you all the information you need when choosing a vaccine fridge/vaccination fridge or cool box for your practice.
How are vaccines stored?
Refrigeration units help in vaccine storage, and you must keep them at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that vaccines be kept at this range to maintain their effectiveness. Vaccines are often transported in cool boxes or vaccine fridges, which allow for more precise control over temperature levels.
In addition to maintaining a specific temperature range, you should ensure that your refrigerator maintains this accuracy throughout its shelf life; otherwise, your vaccine may not work as well.
What is a vaccine fridge?
A vaccine fridge is a device that stores vaccines and other medical supplies. Vaccine fridges are typically used in hospitals and clinics as they help maintain a constant temperature, reduce exposure to light and moisture, and prevent damage from fluctuations in heat or cold.
To maintain its ability to protect vaccines from heat, light and moisture, a vaccine fridge must remain in operation for long periods without needing replacement parts or repairs.
How do I know what capacity I need?
You’ll need to determine how many vaccines you need to store. Do you need just refrigerated vaccines, or do you need both refrigerated and frozen vaccines? Will the unit be used in a clinical setting or a private office?
Do you have a dedicated storage area with a separate freezer? If not, the refrigerator must be large enough to simultaneously hold all your vaccine products.
What product are they being stored in (e.g., vial or syringe)? If the products are frozen, does this make them more difficult to store? This will help determine how much space should be allocated for each item within the refrigerator’s shelves and drawers.
Can I use my normal fridge to store vaccines safely?
You can use your regular refrigerator to store vaccines. Just make sure it’s clean and dry. And don’t put anything else in with them (like, say, a block of cheese). If you’re storing vaccines at room temperature, ensure they are between 2-8 degrees Celsius (36-46 degrees Fahrenheit).
Is it safe to transport vaccines using cool boxes?
Cool boxes are suitable for the short-term storage of vaccines. They can store vaccines during transport but are unsuitable for long-term storage. If you need to transport vaccines, use a vaccine fridge instead.
Importance of Vaccine Storage Solutions.
The vaccine fridge/vaccination fridge is the most important piece of hardware for a clinic, and it’s a good idea to spend some time researching the options available before you buy. There are several things to consider when buying a vaccine refrigerator, including:
- How many vaccines do you need to store?
- What temperature range will your vaccines be stored in?
- Where will the refrigerator be placed?
- How much do you want to spend on this purchase?
Tips for Buying Vaccine Fridges.
When shopping for a vaccine fridge, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use a vaccine fridge that the manufacturer has approved. This will ensure that the product meets all of its safety standards. You also should ensure that it is approved for use in a clinical setting (i.e., an immunisation clinic) or other healthcare facility and that the FDA has approved it.
