Cold Chain Management

Cold Chain Management

• Primary Responsibility:
  • At least one team member must have primary responsibility for cold chain management in the practice (refer to Criterion GP6.1 – Maintaining vaccine potency).

Cold Chain System

• Definition:
  • The cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of +2°C and +8°C.
  • Vaccines are delicate biological products that become ineffective if not stored appropriately.

Cold Chain Management Requirements

1. Action on Temperature Variations:
   • Take appropriate action if the temperature is not stable or within the required range.

Essential Steps in Proper Cold Chain Management

1. Reliable Refrigerator:
   • Use a refrigerator capable of maintaining a stable temperature within the range of +2°C to +8°C.
   • Ensure the refrigerator is large enough to meet the practice’s storage needs and accommodate the frequency of vaccine orders.
2. Documented Processes:
   • Develop and implement clearly documented processes to maintain the cold chain.
   • Identify potential situations that could risk vaccine potency and establish appropriate management strategies.
3. Staff Training:
   • Ensure all practice staff handling vaccines receive ongoing training tailored to their roles and responsibilities.
4. Temperature Monitoring:
   • Monitor and record the maximum and minimum temperatures of refrigerators used to store vaccines at least twice a day.
   • Check and document the temperature before using any vaccines.
5. Temperature Variations:
   • Know the procedures for responding to temperature variations outside the recommended range of 2–8ºC, including reporting and documentation.

Cold Chain Breaches (CCB)

• Handling CCB:
  • 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 available, see below.
  • Do not discard any vaccines.
• National Immunisation Program Vaccines:
  • Isolate affected vaccines and contact the Queensland Health Immunisation Program for advice.
• Privately Purchased Vaccines:
  • Contact the manufacturer or supplier for guidance.
• Reporting a CCB:
  • Complete a cold chain breach report form.
  • The person who noted the breach should complete the form.
  • Email the completed form to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au with ‘COLD CHAIN BREACH’ in the subject line.
  • Await response from QHIP for advice on the next steps.
  • While awaiting advice, the vaccines must be:
    • placed in the refrigerator
    • isolated and
    • labelled ‘DO NOT USE’.