Not all refrigerators are designed to maintain the right temperatures to protect the viability of the vaccine. When evaluating existing vaccine refrigerators or purchasing new refrigerators, select the required quality and type based on the volume of practice. Prepare vaccine refrigerators and freezers by maximizing space for vaccines, as well as frozen water bottles or ice packs that help stabilize temperatures. Refrigerators and freezers must be adjusted to the required temperature ranges: it is important that vaccine storage systems are supplied with electricity at all times and that measures are taken to secure the power supply. The program requires suppliers to place “Do Not Disconnect” warnings on refrigerator/freezer outlets and circuit breakers to prevent power from disconnecting (see Protecting Your Power Task Helper (PDF)). In addition, refrigerators and freezers cannot be plugged into a power outlet with a ground current switch (GFI) or wall switch. Standalone: These types are standalone units designed either as a refrigerator only or simply as a freezer, ranging from compact, over-the-counter styles to very large pharmaceutical units. VFC suppliers must meet specific requirements and activities related to vaccine storage and handling. The appropriate measures of these requirements depend on the right equipment that complies with the guidelines implemented by the state and keeps up to date with the temperatures of your vaccine. Failure to comply with these vaccines can result in the loss of millions of dollars of vaccines. Have an exposed vertical cooling plate (cooling plate) on the back of the refrigerator, which poses a potential risk of significant temperature fluctuations and freezing of the vaccine. * Neither the CDC nor the Childhood Vaccine Program (CPV) has validated the compliance of this product or service with CDC or VFC requirements or standards (Note: The CDC and VFC program does not validate the compliance of products or services).
Contact your vaccination program if you have any questions about your location`s specific requirements. Make sure they fit into a specific room that meets the requirements of the VFC program. Participating suppliers agree to use or purchase vaccine refrigerators that meet these requirements: Dormitory and Bar Style Combination Refrigerators/Freezers Have more than one compressor that allows for better separate temperature control of refrigerators and freezers. According to health.ny.gov, New York State VFC suppliers will have to use stand-alone refrigerators and freezers to store vaccines starting January 1, 2020. The temperature of the freezer should be constant at 5 degrees Fahrenheit or less, while the refrigerator should be able to stay between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are not clear about the requirements for the vaccine storage unit, contact your VFC sales representative before purchasing. Suppliers must have at least one functional thermometer certified to the standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Thermometers should have a buffered probe and the probe should be placed in a central area of each refrigerator and freezer. Suppliers are required to adhere to the recalibration schedule recommended by the manufacturer. (See NYC Certificate of Calibration Checklist for Thermometers (PDF)) Childhood Vaccines Program (CFV)Whether you`re new to the Childhood Vaccines program or an established VFC provider looking to upgrade your vaccine refrigerator to a VFC-compliant model*, we`re here to help. NOW ASK FOR A QUOTE ON combined household appliances have a compressor with poor temperature control. May pose a risk to refrigerated vaccines because cold air from the freezer is drained into the refrigerator and vaccines can freeze.
The freezing parts of many units combined are unable to maintain the constant temperature of frozen vaccines. Small stand-alone refrigerators under the counter with a capacity of 11 cubic feet or less are not allowed. California`s VFC program does not endorse or recommend specific products. Suppliers may purchase all vaccine storage units that meet the requirements of California`s VFC program listed below. ☐ Have enough space to store water bottles (in the refrigerator) and frozen coolants (in the freezer) to stabilize temperatures and minimize temperature fluctuations that can affect the effectiveness of the vaccine combination: These types have both a refrigerator and a freezer with separate exterior doors. Then, install refrigerators and freezers by installing separate rooms for vaccines provided by VFC and purchased by the private sector. Group and clearly label vaccines by pediatric, adolescent, and adult types. The TempArmour refrigerator is a pharmaceutical grade refrigerator™ specifically designed to maintain the right temperatures throughout the storage unit to protect the viability of the vaccine. .
