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Page 14
thermometers are capable of recording hundreds or even thousands of individual temperature
readings.
Diluents
Vaccines that must be reconstituted are shipped with diluents specific to that vaccine. Vaccine
diluents are not all the same; some contain vaccine antigen. As with vaccines, diluents should
be stored according to the guidelines in the manufacturer’s product information. When feasible,
diluents that require refrigeration should be stored with their corresponding vaccines. Never
store any diluent in the freezer because the vials are not designed for freezer storage and could
crack.
Electrical Supply
To maintain the proper temperature ranges, the freezer and refrigerator must be in good
working condition and they must have power at all times. There are several things that can be
done to prevent problems:
• Place the storage unit near enough to an outlet so that the cord is not a tripping hazard
and an extension cord is not necessary.
• Make sure the outlet is not controlled by a light switch.
• Place a “DO NOT UNPLUG” sign next to the outlet and its controlling circuit breaker.
If these are not accessible or visible, place the sign as near as possible so that people
accessing the outlet or circuit breaker are likely to see it.
• Storage units should be plugged directly into wall outlets; multi-strip outlets should not be
used. If possible, do not plug more than one appliance into the outlet to avoid tripping the
circuit breaker.
• If you have a backup power supply for your facility, make sure it is in working order and
tested regularly.
• If you do not have a backup power supply, arrange at least one alternate vaccine storage
location that has proper refrigerator and freezer units, temperature monitoring capability,
and backup power where your vaccine can be moved in the event of a power outage.
Record this information in your Vaccine Management Plan.
• Plug guards or safety-lock plugs should be put in place to prevent someone from
inadvertently unplugging the unit.
• The circuit breakers can also be labeled to alert janitors and electricians not to unplug
vaccine storage units or turn off the power. This can be done by posting a warning sign
near the electrical outlet, on the storage unit, and at the circuit breaker box. The warning
sign should include emergency contact information.
Vaccine Storage Troubleshooting
In addition to temperature monitoring, a physical inspection of the storage unit should be
performed daily. An inspection should include the following:
Are the vaccines placed properly in the unit?
Are the vaccines in their original boxes?
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