This loss of potency is much faster when the vaccine is exposed to temperatures outside the recommended storage range. their ability to give protection against disease). Therefore, all vaccines are sensitive biological substances that progressively lose their potency (i.e. Vaccines are made from micro-organisms similar to the ones that cause disease, or from the toxins that bacteria produce. Specialized instruments that remotely monitor and log data on cold chain facilities, including ongoing inside/outside temperatures, and temperature events. Consider that vaccine produced by one manufacturer must never be used with diluent produced by another. The process of mixing freeze-dried vaccine with the diluent. Refrigeration technology for solar powered devices that avoids the batteries for energy storage. The latter come in two vials: one for the lyophilized vaccine, the other containing the diluent (saline solution). The vaccines that come in a lyophilized (or freeze-dried) state and need to be reconstituted at the vaccination site. Vaccines that come as a liquid and are ready to use in the person. The list of validated equipment is accessible online and used by several agencies as reference for procurement. WHO audited and pre-qualified medical equipment based on Performance, Quality and Safety (PQS) requirements. Global program initiated by WHO with the objectives to ensure immunization of all children against certain diseases (such as measles, rubella and tetanus) and to eradicate poliomyelitis, and to extend all new vaccine and preventative health interventions to children in all districts in the world.
Small cold boxes, portable by one single person, used to keep the vaccine cold for short transport, or to store vaccines temporary just before vaccine administration. The process of national regulatory authority evaluation of an individual lot of a licensed vaccine before giving approval for its release on to the market.Ī document summarizing all manufacturing steps and test results for a lot of vaccine, which is certified and signed by the responsible person of the manufacturing company. They have a limited cold life (often with a maximum of 4 days). Generally, they consist of a polystyrene box inserted in a cardboard box for transport of large quantities of vaccines in favourable circumstances (e.g. Passive cold chain portable container used by producers to ship their vaccines around the world. The process of planned removal of equipment from an active status and its storage in a secure and safe place until disposal. They are used to keep vaccines cool inside the vaccine carrier or cold box. The number of hours the temperature inside a passive cold chain container stays below +20º C.Īlso referred as “ice packs”, are flat, square plastic bottles that are filled with water and cooled. Do not confuse “Cold life” with “Cool life”. This depends on the ambient temperature, the number of times the box is opened and for how long, the number and temperature of the ice packs used, but also on the quality of the box, how well it closes and insulates. The number of hours the temperature inside a passive cold chain container stays below +8º C. It also includes all the temperature monitoring equipment and routines. Įquipment and practices used to ensure a constant temperature for a product that is not thermostable (such as vaccines, serums, tests, etc.), from the time it is manufactured until the time it is used. They are sometimes also used to temporarily store vaccines when the refrigerator is out of order or being defrosted. Cold boxes are used to collect and transport vaccine supplies from one fixed vaccine store to another, and from vaccine stores to health facilities. Insulated containers that can be lined with coolant packs to keep vaccines and diluents cold during transportation and/or short period storage.