National Vaccine Storage Guidelines – Strive for 5
Strive for 5 is Australia’s national vaccine storage guidance for keeping vaccines between +2°C and +8°C, with +5°C as the target storage temperature.
This guide explains cold chain responsibilities, PBVR requirements, temperature monitoring, data loggers, cold chain breaches and power failure planning.
What is Strive for 5?
National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5 is Australia’s national guidance for vaccine storage and cold chain management. The title refers to striving for +5°C, which is the midpoint between +2°C and +8°C.
Vaccines must be stored and transported within the recommended +2°C to +8°C range, with an aim to store vaccines at +5°C. Many vaccines can be compromised or destroyed if they are exposed to temperatures outside this range.
Who should follow Strive for 5?
Strive for 5 applies to immunisation service providers that store, handle or administer vaccines. This includes medical practices, pharmacies, hospitals, aged care providers, Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Organisations, community clinics, local councils, mobile services and outreach providers.
All people involved in vaccine transport, storage and administration should understand cold chain requirements and know what to do if a vaccine storage issue occurs.
What is the cold chain?
The cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the recommended +2°C to +8°C temperature range. The cold chain starts when a vaccine is manufactured and continues through distribution, storage and administration.
Good cold chain management helps ensure patients receive effective vaccines and reduces the risk of compromised vaccines being administered.
Purpose-built vaccine refrigerators
Strive for 5 states that vaccines must be stored in a purpose-built vaccine refrigerator, or PBVR. A PBVR is a refrigerator designed and constructed specifically for vaccine storage between +2°C and +8°C.
Domestic refrigerators, including bar fridges, commercial fridges and industrial fridges, are not designed for vaccine storage and must not be used for storing vaccines.
PBVRs must be large enough for the facility’s vaccine storage needs without overcrowding stock. Vaccines should not be packed tightly, placed on the floor of the PBVR, or positioned so they block airflow.
Minimum PBVR requirements
At a minimum, a PBVR should be designed specifically for vaccine storage between +2°C and +8°C. It should include an audible alarm, a visual temperature display, a door-left-open alarm and a minimum, maximum and current thermometer.
Some PBVRs also include additional features such as adjustable shelves, lockable doors, automated temperature monitoring, SMS or email alerts and back-to-base alarm systems.
Temperature monitoring
Vaccine temperatures must be monitored and recorded to confirm that vaccines have remained within the recommended +2°C to +8°C range.
Current, minimum and maximum PBVR temperatures should be checked and recorded manually at least twice daily. Data logger or automated monitoring reports should also be reviewed regularly, including after suspected cold chain breaches, power failures or periods when the facility has been closed.
Data loggers and automated monitoring
A data logger continuously records PBVR temperatures at preset intervals. Strive for 5 specifies that data loggers should be capable of recording temperatures at minimum 5-minute intervals and should have alert capabilities.
Automated temperature monitoring systems can provide real-time readings and send alerts if temperatures move outside the recommended range. However, automated monitoring does not remove the need to record current, minimum and maximum temperatures twice daily.
Cold chain breaches
A cold chain breach occurs when vaccines are exposed to temperatures outside the recommended +2°C to +8°C range. Single temperature excursions up to +12°C for 15 minutes or less, such as during restocking, do not usually constitute a cold chain breach, but temperatures below +2°C should be treated seriously.
If a cold chain breach occurs, isolate the vaccines, keep them refrigerated between +2°C and +8°C, label them “Do not use / Do not discard”, and contact the relevant state or territory health department for advice.
Power failure planning
Facilities storing vaccines should have a written backup plan for power failures. The plan should identify staff responsibilities, alternative monitored storage, coolers, temperature monitoring equipment and backup power arrangements.
Alternative storage options may include a backup power supply, a monitored PBVR at another site, or a correctly packed cooler with conditioned ice packs or gel packs, insulating material and a minimum/maximum thermometer or data logger.
Choosing a vaccine fridge
When choosing a vaccine fridge, consider the size of the PBVR, available space, ventilation requirements, security, temperature monitoring, alarm features, door type and power reliability.
Glass door PBVRs can make stock easier to see and may reduce door opening time. Solid door PBVRs may hold temperature for longer during power interruptions, which can be useful where power supply is less reliable.
Need help with vaccine storage?
ENLAKE supplies purpose-built vaccine refrigerators, medical fridges, temperature monitoring equipment and UPS options for Australian healthcare facilities. Contact ENLAKE if you need help choosing a vaccine fridge, PBVR, data logger, remote monitoring system or backup power option.
