Immunisations are one of the most successful public health interventions to exist. However, vaccines must be stored correctly to remain effective and protect our community.
Introduction to Cold Chain Management summary provides a quick summary of what your vaccination site needs in order to abide by cold chain management best practice and thereby protect the safety of our community.
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All immunisation providers within Australia must adhere to the National Vaccine Storage guidelines Strive for 5 – 3rd edition (last updated June 2019).
It is compulsory for at least one staff member to complete the HETI online Cold Chain Training Module. However it is strongly recommended that ALL staff members complete this training.
Twice daily: manually record fridge temperature (Min/Max/current). Use the Strive for 5 temperature chart or to order a PHN temperature booklet, email immunisation@cesphn.com.au
Weekly: download data logger 5 minutely temperature reports and retain records
Yearly: service the fridge annually, conduct Ice Slurry test and complete the vaccine storage self-audit checklist and store this document.
Further monitoring resources:
How to check cold chain monitors when receiving vaccine deliveries
Things to consider when opening, closing, or moving practice
Maintaining cold chain when moving premises
A vaccine specific fridge: must be used to store vaccines
A data logger: is required for each vaccine fridge, set to 5 minute intervals
A min/max thermometer: is required for each vaccine fridge (portable or in-built)
Other equipment includes:
– Open weave baskets: with the vaccines stored in their original packaging (Strive for 5 – p38)
– Basket labels: clearly label baskets with the name of the vaccine (order free from NSW Health)
See below for more information regarding specific equipment.
Random vaccine storage audits are conducted by NSW Health Public Health Units (PHUs) every month. Non-compliance to guidelines will result in suspension of your Vaccine Account Number (VAN). Compliance audits will include checking:
– Correct vaccine storage and cold chain management protocol. This includes correct temperature monitoring and equipment.
– Adherence to staff training requirements (completion of online Cold Chain Training Module).
– All vaccines administered are reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
What is a Cold Chain Breach (CCB) and how to manage a CCB?
To report a CCB for NIP funded vaccines, report to your local Public Health Unit (PHU):
| South Eastern Sydney Local Health District | Sydney Local Health District |
| Complete online reporting form (PDF form will no longer be accepted) SAMPLE of the online form | Complete PDF reporting form Email to SLHD-Immunisation@health.nsw.gov.au |
To report a CCB for COVID-19 vaccines, contact the Vaccine Operation Centre (VOC):
Complete the form: COVID CCB reporting form and email to COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@Health.gov.au (P:1800 318 208)
Click here to download complete set of ‘Cold chain breach’ resources
