Pharmacist talking points - a vaccination message from NSW Health

Cold chain management

Under the NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards pharmacists are required to comply with the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines- Strive for 5. In accordance with these requirements all vaccines must be stored in a vaccine refrigerator with minimum and maximum temperature checks and recordings twice daily. The fridge must also have a data logger that is downloaded and reviewed at least weekly. QCPP accreditation requirements may differ to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines however adherence to these are a requirement under the NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards.  

What to do if you have a cold chain breach

• If you experience a cold chain breach you should quarantine the vaccines in a monitored vaccine refrigerator and mark as “Do not use.”
• Download the data logger and review temperatures to confirm that a breach has occurred.
• Contact the manufacturer for further advice regarding the affected vaccines. 

Revaccination

If a patient has been vaccinated before the breach is identified you should contact the manufacturer for advice and subsequently contact the patient to discuss requirements which may include referral to a medical officer for discussion and advice on revaccination.

Cold chain management resources

• National Vaccine Storage Guideline Resources, including posters and stickers that can either be printed or hard copies can be requested 
• NSW Health online Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management learning module – a certificate of completion is issued that can be used for proof of CPD.
• NSW Health vaccine storage and cold chain management webpage