Vaccine Storage & Transportation

In May 2024, Ontario Regulation 188/24: Designated Drugs and Substances, under the Midwifery Act, 1991 was updated and expanded. A number of vaccines for both adults and newborns were included on this list, enabling midwives in Ontario to administer these vaccines on their own authority. As a result, you may be exploring options for vaccine storage in your practice setting to increase accessibility for families in your care. This page includes resources to help you explore this process, and an FAQ to answer common questions about vaccine storage.  

Local requirements vary from region to region, so it’s important to connect with your local public health unit prior to purchasing any equipment or storing any vaccines. In some regions, only purpose-built vaccine refrigerators meet the requirements, while in other regions a modified domestic refrigerator may meet the requirements. If feasible, it is recommended to consider a purpose-built refrigerator to ensure compliance with regional requirements and optimal vaccine storage.

 

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Vaccine storage and handling guidelines (2021) (PDF 4.8 MB)
This Ontario guideline assists health care providers with properly storing, handling and transporting vaccines. Prior to storing vaccines, health care providers are required to understand and meet the vaccine storage and handling requirements indicated in this document

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Purpose-built vaccine refrigerator comparison chart (2024) (PDF 80 KB)
This chart compares common makes & models of purpose-built vaccine refrigerators. The chart compares the cost, size and storage capacity of countertop, under counter and upright (single door) refrigerator sizes. Consult your local public health unit prior to acquiring a vaccine fridge to ensure it will comply with specific requirements in your region.

Vaccine refrigerator comparison chart (2024) (PDF 3.1 MB)
This chart provides an overview of key comparators for refrigerator types that can be used or adapted for vaccine storage. Consult your local public health unit prior to acquiring a vaccine fridge to ensure it complies with specific requirements in your region. In some regions, only purpose-built refrigerators meet the requirements.

FAQ: Vaccine storage

What is the “cold chain”?

“Excessive heat or cold exposure can damage vaccines. The “cold chain” refers to the process used to maintain optimal conditions during the transport, storage, and handling of vaccines, starting at the manufacturer and ending with the administration of the vaccine to the client (1). The optimum temperature for refrigerated vaccines is between +2°C and +8°C (+35°F and +46°F) (2). For frozen vaccines the optimum temperature is –15°C (+5°F) or lower. In addition, protection from light is a necessary condition for some vaccines.

Proper storage temperatures must be maintained at every link in the chain or a vaccine may be damaged and unsuitable for administration.” (PHAC 2015)

Source:
Public Health Agency of Canada. National Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines for Immunization Providers 2015.

What are the first steps towards storing vaccines in our practice setting?

If you are considering acquiring a vaccine refrigerator for your practice setting, contact your local public health unit before purchasing anything. 

Each public health region has different requirements, and it is important to contact your local unit to get all the information relevant to your practice setting first. Some public health units can assist with the ordering of equipment, and provide additional supplies such as log books, transport containers, etc. Some public health units may supply certain required equipment like thermometers (for a cost), while others may require that you source and acquire the equipment yourself. 

[November 19, 2024]

What equipment is needed to store vaccines?

Please review the guideline from Ontario Public Health (PDF 4.8 MB) and contact your local public health unit for complete information. Required equipment includes, but is not limited to:

  • A designated refrigerator that meets the requirement of your local public health unit
  • Temperature monitoring device (digital maximum/minimum thermometer)
  • Data logger (digital device) 
  • Materials from public health: guidelines, temperature and equipment log books, posters, stickers, etc.
  • Additional items may include: organization baskets (that meet local standards for IPAC and air flow), labels, sealed water bottles (for empty shelves/door of some fridge types)

Some public health units may have guiding documents or recommendations about specific equipment and devices, for example this document from the region of Peel (PDF 143 KB). 

[November 19, 2024]

What equipment is needed to transport vaccines?

Please review the guideline from Ontario Public Health (PDF 4.8 MB) and contact your local public health unit for complete information. Required equipment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Insulated container (solid walled with a tight lid)
  • Ice pack(s) and/or gel pack(s), ice blanket(s)
  • Temperature monitoring device (NB: you should not remove the one from your vaccine refrigerator to use for transport.)
  • Appropriate packaging material (e.g., insulation material such as bubble wrap)
  • Temperature log book (PDF 544 KB) (for use during transport)

[November 19, 2024]

Where can I find more resources related to vaccine storage, handling and transport?

[November 19, 2024]