(Maintaining the Cold Chain) For - Halton and St Helens PCT

Vaccines can be returned to the refrigerator if the temperature has been maintained within themanufacturers recommended range and the cool bag has been used as per manufacturer'sinstructions.8. Disposal of VaccineAt the end of an immunisation session any prepared or opened vaccine (i.e. accessed multidosevials) must be destroyed. Place the vaccines in a sharps container, for incineration.Expired vaccines must also be disposed of in the appropriate sharps container.9. Vaccine SpillageAny vaccine spillage onto the skin must be cleaned with soap and warm water, then rinsedand dried thoroughly. If the vaccine makes contact with the eyes, the eyes should beirrigated continuously with Sodium Chloride 0.9% solution and medical advice sought. Anyenvironmental vaccine spillage should be cleaned using detergent and water. Personalprotective equipment should be worn when cleaning the vaccine spillage.10. Storage of ImmunoglobulinsImmunoglobulins should be protected from light and stored at +2°C to +8°C. Although theseproducts have a tolerance to ambient temperatures (25°C) of up to one week, they shouldbe refrigerated immediately on receipt. They can be distributed in sturdy packaging outsidethe cold chain if needed. They should not be frozen.11. TrainingAll staff involved in the distribution, storage, handling, administration and disposal ofvaccines must attend training on the safe storage and handling of vaccines (The ColdChain).All immunisers should ensure that they attend yearly immunisation, anaphylaxis and BasicLife Support updates. All new immunisers should also attend core immunisation training inaddition to the yearly updates.All immunisers should also attend briefing / information sessions for changes to theschedule for childhood immunisations, new vaccines and campaigns.In addition, all immunisers should have access to a copy of Immunisation against infectiousdisease, DH, September 2006. (The Green Book). Further advice can be obtained from thePCT Immunisation Co-ordinator.Page 12 of 23