Recommendations and Guidelines
Vaccine Storage and Handling
Proper vaccine storage and handling practices play a very important role in protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccine quality is the shared responsibility of everyone, from the time vaccine is manufactured until it is administered.
Resources on Proper Vaccine Storage and Handling
- Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit is a comprehensive resource for providers on vaccine storage and handling recommendations and best practice strategies. It includes considerations for equipment both storage units and thermometers, strategies for maintaining the cold chain, routine storage and handling practices, inventory management and emergency procedures for protecting vaccine inventories. NEW Nov 2012
Note: The Vaccine Storage and Handling Guide has become outdated and will not be updated. Please consult the FDA's package inserts found easily on the IAC website. Feb 2013
- Interim Storage and Handling Guidance Oct 2012
Brief summary of changes in recommendations for vaccine storage and handling equipment. Additional details can be found in the Storage and Handling Toolkit. - You Call the Shots: Vaccine Storage and Handling Module is an interactive, web-based module which provides learning opportunities, self-test practice questions, reference and resource materials, and an extensive glossary. Continuing education credit is available. NEW Feb 2013
- Examples of vaccine labels
[159KB, 17 pages] which can be used to organize vaccines within the storage unit. Referenced in the storage and handling Toolkit and the Guide. UPDATED Feb 2013 - Provider's Role: Importance of Vaccine Admin. & Storage
Includes vaccine administration, timing and spacing of vaccine does, observation of precautions and contraindications, management of vaccine side effects, etc. - Vaccine Storage Temperature Recommendations
[62KB, 1 page]
Adapted from Table 11, ACIP General Recommendations on Immunization
Additional Resources for Vaccine Storage and Handling
Note: Storage and handling information in previously published CDC documents, including the 12th Edition Pink Book, may be superseded by the materials listed in above section on this page. If inconsistencies are seen, follow newer guidelines in toolkit or more recently dated materials.
- Contact Information for State and Local Health Department Immunization Programs
- Immunization Action Coalition
- Storage and Handling Resources
Refrigerator Temperature Logs (Fahrenheit)(Celsius), Freezer Temperature Logs, Checklist for Safe Storage and Handling, Don't Be Guilty of These Errors in Storage & Handling, Do Not Unplug Sign... - Manufacturer Product Information
Package inserts
- Storage and Handling Resources
- Manufacturers/Distributors Contact Information [500KB, 1 page] NEW Nov 2012
- Pink Book Chapter on Vaccine Storage and Handling
See note above about referencing this document. - National Institute of Standards and Technology: Vaccine Storage and Handling Research
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This page last modified on February 25, 2013
Content last reviewed on November 27, 2012
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
