Why Proper Storage Matters
Vaccines are sensitive biological products that can lose effectiveness if stored improperly. Exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range can reduce or destroy a vaccine's potency, meaning the patient may not be adequately protected. Pharmacy technicians play a key role in maintaining proper vaccine storage.
Temperature Requirements
Most vaccines require refrigerator storage, typically maintained within a specific temperature range. Some vaccines require freezer storage. The key point is that each vaccine has defined storage requirements, and technicians must ensure these conditions are consistently maintained.
Temperature Monitoring
Pharmacies use temperature monitoring devices to continuously track refrigerator and freezer temperatures. These devices record the current temperature, minimum, and maximum temperatures since the last reset. Technicians typically check and log temperatures at least once daily, or according to their pharmacy's specific protocol.
What to Do if Temperatures Vary
If a temperature monitoring device indicates an out-of-range reading, the technician should not administer or discard affected vaccines without guidance. Instead, separate the affected vaccines, mark them as "do not use," and contact the pharmacist and the appropriate public health authority or manufacturer for guidance on whether the vaccines are still viable.
Handling Best Practices
- Do not store vaccines in the door of a refrigerator where temperatures fluctuate more
- Keep vaccines in their original packaging until ready for use
- Maintain adequate airflow around stored vaccines
- Follow first-expiry, first-out rotation
Exam Relevance
The PTCE may ask about vaccine storage requirements, the importance of temperature monitoring, and the technician's response to temperature deviations. Focus on understanding the general principles rather than memorizing specific temperature ranges for individual vaccines.