Five factors that can damage vaccines

6.5.3 Five factors that can damage vaccines

1. HEAT
Most vaccines are "heat-sensitive" and must be maintained in a cold chain. They must be stored in a refrigerator at 0 to 8oC, transported in a thermos with ice or cold packs and used immediately once drawn up in a syringe. If the syringe full of vaccine is not used quickly, it should be placed on a cold pack until it’s time to inject the vaccine.
2. FREEZING
Vaccines sensitive to freezing will lose their effectiveness if frozen. Many doses of vaccine have been wasted due to accidental freezing. Keep a thermometer INSIDE the freezer and check it daily. Other vaccines should be frozen if they will be stored for a long period of time. Be sure to follow carefully the manufacturer's instructions.
3. SUN
Never leave vials or syringes containing vaccine in direct sunlight. When working in the field, open the thermos of vaccine and fill syringes in the shade.
4. CONTAMINATION
Always use sterile needles and syringes when preparing or mixing vaccine or drawing it out of a vial. Never place a used needle in a vaccine vial because this can contaminate the vaccine and cause illness or an abscess at the injection site.

If you suspect that a vaccine vial is contaminated, discard it.

5. DISINFECTANT & DETERGENT
Disinfectant or detergent may make vaccine ineffective. Therefore, avoid contaminating vaccine with disinfectant or detergent. For example, do not use syringes or needles for vaccination that have residues of disinfectant or detergent left in them from cleaning. Do not use disinfectant when re-sterilizing needles and syringes. For sterilization, rinse thoroughly with water only and then boil in clean water for at least 15 minutes.

5. DISINFECTANT & DETERGENT

Disinfectant or detergent may make vaccine ineffective. Therefore, avoid contaminating vaccine with disinfectant or detergent. For example, do not use syringes or needles for vaccination that have residues of disinfectant or detergent left in them from cleaning. Do not use disinfectant when re-sterilizing needles and syringes. For sterilization, rinse thoroughly with water only and then boil in clean water for at least 15 minutes.