Thimerosal free Hepatitis B vaccine available from two manufacturers for May vaccine orders. In anticipation of this news the IIP has maintained a very limited stock of pediatric Hepatitis B vaccine that still contains thimerosal. The IIP will forward the remaining 2,350 doses of this vaccine to programs that regularly administer vaccine to older children. All other orders will be filled with thimerosal free Hepatitis B vaccine. Handling temperature incidents.
Some vaccines are extremely sensitive to temperature variations.
If the correct temperatures are not constantly maintained then the viability of the vaccine could be destroyed. Please don't assume that all vaccines will be affected adversely. That assumption without follow-up may be considered negligent and your practice could be charged for the loss of vaccine. In general, non-viable vaccines will look just like viable vaccine, however they will not and do not protect the child. Temperatures within a refrigerator and freezer will vary due to opening and shutting of the doors.