Proper vaccine storage and handling are important to maintain the efficacy of a vaccine. Take live attenuated vaccines for example. These vaccines (which include MMR, varicella zoster, and intranasal influenza) can be damaged or even destroyed by heat which can reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness (1). In a study by Caspard et al. it was found that the outdoor temperatures during truck unloading between August 1 and September 15, 2013 shared a linear relationship with the proportion of children who tested positive for H1N1 despite being vaccinated with a live attenuated influenza vaccine. These heat exposed vaccines resulted in 21% of children testing positive for H1N1 compared to 4% of children who received a vaccine under proper vaccine handling conditions (2).

Living in the United States grants us many luxuries in the medical field that can be taken for granted. Even the knowledge of proper vaccine storage and handling can be taken for granted. For example, it is assumed that most vaccine handlers and storage facilities will have their basic needs fulfilled such as a reliable electricity supply or a sufficient number of ice packs available for transport. Unfortunately, there are many countries in the world where this is not the case. In a study by Dairo and Osizimete, 380 vaccine handlers in Ibadan, Nigeria were analyzed to assess their vaccine management practices. It was found that only 73% of these handlers were aware of vaccine handling and storage guidelines. Roughly 65% of handlers had received some form of training on vaccine management (3).

It is important to recognize that improper vaccine storage and handling can diminish a vaccine’s effectiveness. This can result in a patient contracting a disease despite being vaccinated against it. These errors can also cost the healthcare industry money that could be allocated elsewhere and easily prevented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations and guidelines to help raise awareness of proper vaccine management (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/storage/).

Sources

1 Principles of Vaccination (PDF)

2 https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy2.library.illinois.edu/pubmed/27613072

3 https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy2.library.illinois.edu/pubmed/27605974