2. Cold chain incidents Cold Chain Incidents

3. Overview
What is a cold chain incident
Common causes
How to report

4. What is a cold chain incident?
A cold chain incident occurs when:
vaccine is exposed to a temperature outside of the required storage range of +2 ͦC and +8 ͦC for any period of time; and
the potency of the vaccine is potentially compromised

5. What are some common causes of a cold chain incident?

6. Common Reasons for a Cold Chain Incident
Power outages
Refrigerator/equipment malfunction
Accidental electrical disruption/ fridge unplugged or turned off
Vaccine left out on counter
Improper transport or transportation delays

7. Common Reasons for a Cold Chain Incident
Changes in seasonal temperatures
Improper conditioning and/or temps were not stabilized prior to vaccine storage
Loose hinges and or inadequate door seals
Too much stock, not enough fridge or back up cooler capacity

8. Common Reasons for a Cold Chain Incident
Improper placement of vaccine in refrigerator
Lack of contingency planning
Back-up power supply failure
Lack of or improper refrigerator maintenance
Door left ajar or was opened too frequently

9. Cold Chain Incident Reporting
Vaccine exposed to temperatures outside of the require storage range must be reported to the public health unit.
Public health must respond within 24 hours of notification

10. How to Report
Report the incident by calling the local health unit office
Do not use the vaccines. Place the exposed vaccines in a container or bag and leave them in the fridge marked “DO NOT USE”.  Do not discard the vaccines. 
Complete the NWHU Vaccine Cold Chain Incident Exposure/Wastage Report available online at:
or fax the form to your local health unit office

11. After the Incident Possible site visit and fridge inspection to:
review cold chain practices
determine the cause and provide follow-up education
ensure cold chain conditions can be maintained

12. End slide, to be viewed when closing your presentation.