Keep your vaccines in the cold chain
Vaccines need to stay between +2°C and +8°C from delivery to injection. Here’s how to store, monitor and transport them, and what to do if something goes wrong.
The short answer
- Store vaccines at +2°C to +8°C in a purpose-built vaccine or pharmacy fridge, never a domestic fridge.
- Record the minimum, maximum and current temperature at least once each working day, then reset the thermometer.
- Use a data logger as a second check, so you can see exactly what happened between readings.
- If a reading is out of range, quarantine the stock, label it “do not use” and follow your cold chain policy before using it again.
Store it right
Don’t overfill
Leave space between packs and the walls so cold air can circulate. Keep stock in its original packaging.
Vaccines only
Keep food, drink and specimens out of the vaccine fridge.
Protect the plug
Use a dedicated socket, or a switchless one, and label it “Do not switch off”.
Check it every day
Min, max and current
Record all three readings, sign the log and reset the thermometer.
Download your logger
Review data logger records regularly, so short spikes don’t go unnoticed.
Service and calibrate
Have fridges serviced and thermometers calibrated in line with the manufacturer’s advice.
Cold chain equipment
| Item | Why you need it | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccine fridge | Stable +2°C to +8°C storage with alarms and a min/max display. | Shop |
| Data logger with display | Records temperatures automatically as a second check. | Shop |
| Data logger with calibration | Comes with a calibration certificate for your records. | Shop |
| Wi-Fi data logger | Sends alerts if the temperature goes out of range, even out of hours. | Shop |
| Vaccine carrier | For clinics away from the fridge and housebound visits. | Shop |
| Fridge record book | A simple daily log of temperatures and checks. | Shop |
Moving vaccines safely
Use a medical carrier
Use a medical cool box or vaccine carrier designed for the job, not a picnic cool box.
Monitor the temperature
Put a data logger or thermometer in the carrier and record the temperature.
Prepare the ice packs
Follow the carrier’s instructions for preparing ice packs, so vaccines aren’t frozen by direct contact.
Free download: Get our vaccine fridge temperature log and cold chain breach guide, or our free fridge temperature monitoring book.
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Common questions
What should we do if the fridge goes out of range?
Keep the fridge closed, quarantine the stock and label it “do not use”. Record the readings and how long it was out of range, then follow your cold chain policy and seek advice before using the vaccines.
Do we need a data logger as well as the fridge display?
A data logger gives you an independent record of temperatures between your daily checks. It’s strongly recommended, and many fridges are now available with built-in logging or Bluetooth.
Which fridge size do we need?
Size for your busiest period, such as flu season deliveries. Our medical fridge buying guide compares every model we sell.
Keep reading
Get ahead of the busy season
Send us your list and we’ll quote it in one go. Call 020 3301 6500 or email help@medical-supermarket.com.
