Greetings everyone,
I have a query regarding the storage of OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine). If I were to store OPV in a freezer with temperatures ranging from -15 to -25 degrees Celsius, but it gets exposed to higher temperatures of -8 to -10 degrees Celsius during power outages, I'm curious about the following:
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Is it advisable to continue storing OPV in a freezer, or would it be more appropriate to store it in a refrigerator with temperatures between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius?
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In the scenario of using refrigerated trucks set at temperatures between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for vaccine transportation, is it acceptable to temporarily place them in a freezer with temperatures between -15 to -25 degrees Celsius close to the expiration date, or should I adhere to storing them in refrigerators within the range of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius?
Thanks
It is a good questions Nada. The science behind vaccine storages are different for each vaccines. Polio vaccines never become damage or efficacy lost if stored/ transported below 2 degree temperature ( what may be the storage temperature ). However before vaccination sessions ( may be storage at last mile /transported to vaccination centre ) it should be kept in 2-8 degree centigrade. It is advisable to keep and watch of VVM during transportation ( last mile / before vaccination) . For operational reasons where space is constrain ( due to huge vaccine storage ) vaccine can be stored below 2 degree ( in Deep Fridge ) . However , in last cold chain point all vaccine should be stored in ILR ( where temp is 2-8 degree ) so that the vaccine handlers should not have a confusion which vaccines to be stored at which temperature. If you want farther clarification, you are welcome ( India experience where 27 million infant ( 0-1 year ) are vaccinated in every year
I greatly appreciate your clear explanation, Souleymane Koné and SAUMENDRA BAGCHI
If you have any references or guidelines, sharing them with me would be helpful.
Thanks for your further queary , WHO cold chain hand book clearly explained which vaccine / whrere to be stored / how long .
Dear Nada,
If you look into any cold chain handbook or the OPV brochure supplied with the packing box, it says the OPV is sensitive only to Light and high temprature and hence the VVM on vial is matched as such. Since the heat effect is cumulative hence the storage should be below -15 as much as possible and should be kept at 2to8 degree C only at last cold chain point where vaccine would be utilized with in a span of 1.5 month. If VVM near non usable portion then you might keep the vial at Deep freezer for longer duration and shift to ILR a week before utilization if your national guideline allows.
Thank you, Ahmad Abbas Agha, for your input. I already possess the WHO handbook for vaccine storage and handling, and our guidelines are in alignment with WHO standards. In my previous discussion, I was addressing a specific situation that I encountered to exchange experience
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