Vaccine Fridges – Purpose Built vs Domestic

Purpose-built vaccine refrigerators are designed to maintain stable 2°C to 8°C storage, while domestic fridges are not suitable for vaccine storage. This guide explains the key cold chain differences.

It covers temperature stability, airflow, alarms, monitoring and why medical facilities should use purpose-built vaccine refrigerators.

Why domestic fridges are not suitable for vaccines

Australia’s National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5 state 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 built or designed to store vaccines and must not be used for vaccine storage.

Domestic fridges have several disadvantages for vaccine storage, including:

• They are not designed specifically to maintain the required +2°C to +8°C vaccine storage range.
• They may expose vaccines to temperatures below +2°C or above +8°C.
• They may freeze vaccines, and frozen vaccines may not appear visibly damaged.
• They may have uneven temperatures, cold spots and slower recovery after the door has been opened.
• They usually do not include vaccine-specific alarms, minimum and maximum temperature displays, door-open alarms or appropriate cold chain monitoring features.

Why purpose-built vaccine refrigerators are better

A purpose-built vaccine refrigerator, or PBVR, is designed specifically for medical and vaccine storage. PBVRs are the only appropriate refrigeration option for routine vaccine storage under the Strive for 5 guidelines.

PBVRs provide important cold chain advantages, including:

• Design specifically for vaccine storage between +2°C and +8°C.
• More stable and controlled temperature performance than domestic refrigeration.
• Audible alarms with visual temperature displays.
• Door-left-open alarms to help prevent cold chain breaches.
• Minimum, maximum and current temperature monitoring.
• Better airflow and storage design to reduce the risk of uneven cabinet temperatures.
• Options such as adjustable shelves, lockable doors, automated temperature monitoring, SMS or email alerts and back-to-base alarm systems.

Choosing the right PBVR

When choosing a PBVR, consider the size of the refrigerator, the space available in the facility, air circulation around the back and sides of the unit, security, temperature monitoring, castors or locking mechanisms, and door type.

Glass door PBVRs can make it easier to see stock inside the fridge and may reduce door opening time. Solid door PBVRs may maintain temperature for longer during an interruption to the power supply, which can be preferable where power supply is less reliable.

Monitoring still matters

A PBVR does not remove the need for good vaccine management. Current, minimum and maximum temperatures should still be checked and recorded at least twice daily, and data logger or automated monitoring reports should be reviewed regularly according to the Strive for 5 guidelines.

Facilities should also have written procedures for vaccine storage, staff responsibilities, cold chain breaches and power failures.

Need help choosing a vaccine fridge?

ENLAKE can help you compare purpose-built vaccine refrigerators by capacity, cabinet style, temperature monitoring, alarm features, warranty, price and operating environment. Contact ENLAKE before buying if you need help choosing the right vaccine fridge, PBVR or medical fridge for your facility.