Managing a Cold Chain Breach
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If your vaccine fridge temperature has gone below 2°C or above 8°C, follow the steps
Vaccines MUST be stored between +2°C and +8°C. They can be destroyed if they are stored outside +2°C and +8°C or exposed to light.
Read the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5 to ensure you understand the requirements for adequate vaccine management and storage.
Those responsible for vaccines ordering and receiving vaccine deliveries must know the processes.
A 'cold chain breach' occurs when vaccines are stored outside of +2°C to +8°C. This excludes excursions up to +12°C, lasting no longer than 15 minutes.
In the event of widespread power outages, complete and email the Cold Chain Breach Report-SA Health (PDF 484KB) when directed by the Immunisation Section.
Activate your back up plan. Cold Chain Back-up Plan (PDF 178KB).
A vaccine storage self-audit must be carried out at least once every 12 months. Self-auditing is an important part of quality assurance and risk management processes.
A vaccine storage self-audit checklist is available in Appendix 2 of the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5.
The SA Health Immunisation Section also conducts random vaccine storage audits.
For further information contact the Vaccine Distribution Centre on (08) 7425 7139.