The
cold chain describes the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the
temperature range of +2°C to +8°C from the place of manufacture to the point of
administration. The optimal storage temperature for vaccines is +5°C.
Failure
to store and handle vaccines properly can result in reduced vaccine potency and
inadequate immune responses in clients as well as poor protection against
disease. To ensure that clients receive effective and potent vaccines, immunization
providers should follow the principles of safe vaccine storage management and
here to, the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines.
Purpose-built
vaccine refrigerators are preferred for storing vaccines because they are
designed and constructed specifically for vaccine storage at temperatures
between +2°C and +8°C. Domestic refrigerators are not suitable for vaccine
storage.