Cold chain incidents Cold Chain Incidents

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

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

What are some common causes of a cold chain incident?

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

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

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

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

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: https://www.nwhu.on.ca/ourservices/Immunization/Pages/Report-a-Cold-Chain-Incident.aspx E-mail or fax the form to your local health unit office

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

End slide, to be viewed when closing your presentation.