Cold Chain Breaches

Vaccine Fridge Cold Chain Breach

A Cold Chain Breach has occurred if vaccine storage temperatures have been outside the recommended range of +2oC to +8oC. Cold Chain Breaches are sometimes referred to as an Adverse Vaccines Storage Events.

What To Do

  • Do not use vaccines exposed to temperatures below +2oC or above +8oC without obtaining further advice. This requirement excludes excursions of up to +12oC that last no longer than 15 minutes when stock-taking or restocking.
  • Do not dispose of these vaccines.
  • Isolate vaccines and contact your State/Territory health authorities for advice on the National Immunisation Program vaccines and contact the manufacturer/supplier for privately purchased vaccines.
  • Recommendations for the discarding of vaccines may differ between health authorities and manufacturers. Do not discard any vaccines until you have discussed the necessary actions.