Vaccines must be stored within strict temperature ranges to maintain effectiveness. Live vaccines are damaged by freezing but inactivated vaccines tolerate freezing. Vaccines should be stored from the manufacturer to distribution centers to clinics to patients ("cold chain"). Clinics must develop protocols for vaccine storage and handling, use certified thermometers to monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures twice daily, and take action if temperatures are out of range to prevent vaccine damage or wastage. Vaccine inventory should be rotated and expired vaccines not used.

6. Vaccine Storage Requirements

10. Certified Calibrated Thermometers

12. Preventive Measures

14. Preventive Measures