A vaccine fridge should maintain vaccines between 2°C and 8°C. In Australia, this range is set out in the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines, known as Strive for 5, because vaccine providers are encouraged to aim for 5°C, the midpoint between 2°C and 8°C.
The lower end of the temperature range is especially important. Vaccines can be damaged by freezing, and this damage may not be visible. Any reading below 2°C should be treated seriously and managed according to cold chain procedures.
A brief rise above 8°C can occur during normal use, such as restocking, checking stock or opening the fridge door. Under Strive for 5, a temperature deviation up to 12°C for 15 minutes or less does not usually require reporting as a cold chain breach, provided the temperature does not fall below 2°C. Any temperature below 2°C, above 8°C for longer than 15 minutes, or above 12°C should be managed according to cold chain procedures.
Good temperature performance is not just about the set point. Vaccines need adequate space around the contents so cold air can circulate properly. Purpose built vaccine fridges are designed to promote consistent airflow throughout the cabinet, using features such as fan assisted circulation and wire shelving to help maintain a more uniform temperature. Overfilling the fridge or packing products tightly against the cabinet walls can reduce airflow and temperature stability.
Quality vaccine fridges typically include barriers, guards or shelving designs with additional wire supports to help prevent stored contents from coming into direct contact with the rear cooling surface. This matters because the rear of the fridge can be colder than other areas, depending on the model.
ENLAKE can help you choose a vaccine fridge with the right capacity, airflow design, shelving, temperature monitoring and alarm features for your medical centre, pharmacy, hospital, veterinary clinic or laboratory.
