CS243541-C Revision February 2018

Storage Best Practices for Refrigerated Vaccines–Celsius (C)

1 Unpack vaccines immediately

HEP A - VFC

1. Place the vaccines in trays or containers for proper air flow.

2. Put vaccines that are first to expire in front.

3. Keep vaccines in original boxes with lids closed to prevent exposure to 

light.

4. Separate and label vaccines by type and public (VFC) or private.

2 Store vaccines at ideal temperature: 5° C

Refrigerated Vaccines

Too Cold!

Take Action!

Too Warm!

Take Action!

Within Range

-4 ̊ C -1 ̊ C 2 ̊ C 8 ̊ C 10 ̊ C

5 ̊ C

Report out-of-range 

temperatures 

immediately!

Never freeze

refrigerated

vaccines!

Exception: MMR 

can be stored in 

refrigerator or 

freezer

3 Use vaccine storage best practices

do not

unplug

Refrigerator Only

5 ideal temp ° C

DO

✓ Do make sure the refrigerator door is closed

Do replace crisper bins with water bottles to help 

maintain consistent temperature.

Do label water bottles "Do Not Drink."

Do leave 2 to 3 inches between vaccine containers 

and refrigerator walls.

Do post “Do Not Unplug” signs on refrigerator and

near electrical outlet.

DON’T

;

;

;

;

;

Don’t use dormitory-style refrigerator.

Don’t use top shelf for vaccine storage.

Don’t put food or beverages in refrigerator.

Don’t put vaccines on door shelves or on floor of 

refrigerator.

Don’t drink from or remove water bottles.

Distributed by Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/SandH

or contact your state health department for 

more information.
Test Your Knowledge

1 Can you find at least 8 things that are wrong with vaccine storage in this refrigerator?

ideal temp 5° C

2 When unpacking vaccines, why is it important to put the first-to-expire in the front?

A. It reduces the risk that an expired vaccine will be given

B. It saves money by reducing waste

C. It reduces time spent on returns

D. All of the above

E. None of the above—it’s really about organization

3 It is okay to drink from the water bottles as long as you replace them. True/False

4 One of the most common reasons that refrigerators are out of temperature range is:

A. Power outage

B. The thermometer is broken

C. Staff doesn’t shut the refrigerator door

D. The refrigerator thermostat is not working properly

5 Refrigerated vaccines should be stored between _____o C and _____o C, but the ideal

temperature is _____o C.

There are 9 things wrong with this picture. Vaccines are too close to the vent. There is no "Do Not Unplug" sign. There 1.

is no thermometer. Some of the vaccines are not in bins. Bins are placed on the top shelf. Food and beverages are in 

the refrigerator. Crisper bins have not been replaced with water bottles. Vaccine is stored in crisper bins and on door 

shelves. There are no water bottles in the door racks.

D—There are many important reasons to ensure the first-to-expire vaccines are stored in the front! 2.

False—Water bottles are intended to help maintain proper temperature. When you replace them, it takes time for them 3.

to get to the right temperature, so they are not doing their job.

C—Believe it or not, staff not shutting the refrigerator door is one of the most common reasons a refrigerator is out of 4.

temperature range!

o C. 5 o C, but the ideal temperature is 8 o C and 2 Refrigerated vaccines should be stored between 5.