The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

cases, both the doctor issuing the prescription and the pharmacist dispensing
the vaccine must inform the patient of the need for maintaining, and how to
maintain, the cold chain for the vaccine they have purchased.
All immunisation service providers must be familiar with, and adhere
to, the National vaccine storage guidelines: Strive for 5. 1 This publication can
be accessed free of charge from www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/
immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/provider-store
The National vaccine storage guidelines: Strive for 5 contains specific details on
setting up the infrastructure for a vaccination service, and immunisation service
providers should refer to this document to ensure that satisfactory equipment
and procedures are in place before commencing vaccination services. 1
These guidelines also provide instructions on how best to transport vaccines
from the main storage facility to outreach or external clinics. Purpose-built
vaccine refrigerators (PBVR) are the preferred means of storage for vaccines.
Domestic refrigerators are not designed for the special temperature needs of
vaccine storage.
Cold chain breaches
Despite best practices, cold chain breaches sometimes occur. It is important
to report any cold chain breaches so that revaccination of patients or recall of
unused vaccines can be undertaken, if required.
Do not discard or use any vaccines exposed to temperatures below +2°C or
above +8°C without obtaining further advice. Isolate vaccines and contact
the state/territory health authorities (see Appendix 1) for advice on the
National Immunisation Program vaccines and the manufacturer/supplier
for privately purchased vaccines. Recommendations for the discarding of
vaccines may differ between health authorities and manufacturers.
2.1.3 Valid consent
Valid consent can be defined as the voluntary agreement by an individual to a
proposed procedure, given after sufficient, appropriate and reliable information
about the procedure, including the potential risks and benefits, has been
conveyed to that individual. 2-6 As part of the consent procedure, persons to be
vaccinated and/or their parents/carers should be given sufficient information
PART 2 VACCINATION PROCEDURES 25
2.1 PRE-VACCINATION