Storage of inactivated influenza vaccine Inactivated influenza vaccines must be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions between +2°C and +8°C, in their original packaging and protected from light. These vaccines must not be frozen and should not be exposed to heat as this can lead to a decline in potency and subsequent reduced shelf life. Storing LAIV
LAIV must be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions between +2°C and +8°C, in its original packaging and protected from light. This vaccine must not be frozen and should not be exposed to heat as this can lead to a decline in potency and subsequent reduced shelf life. The SmPC  for LAIV states “stability data indicate that the vaccine components are stable for 12 hours when stored at temperatures from 8°C to 25°C. At the end of this period, Fluenz should be used immediately or discarded”. If LAIV is involved in a cold chain failure incident, do not immediately dispose of the vaccine. Label and isolate the vaccine involved, keep it between +2 to +8°C, and seek further advice from the local Screening and Immunisation team and the vaccine manufacturer. Shelf life of LAIV
LAIV has an expiry date 15 weeks after manufacture. This is much shorter than inactivated injectable flu vaccines. Expiry dates should be checked regularly, and all efforts should be made to use the vaccine as soon as possible. Expired doses of any influenza vaccine Inactivated influenza vaccines or LAIV from previous years’ programmes should be discarded before stock for the current year is received. Vaccine storage incidents Should vaccines be inadvertently stored outside the recommended temperature range of +2°C to +8°C, the vaccine should be quarantined, and risk assessed for suitability of continued off-label use or appropriate disposal. Refer to the Vaccine Incident Guidance document and seek further advice on vaccine stability and cold chain storage incidents from the vaccine manufacturer and your local NHS England Screening and Immunisation team.