Cold Chain System

Cold Chain System

"Cold chain" refers to the process used to maintain optimal conditions during the transport, storage, and handling of vaccines, starting at the manufacturer and ending with the administration of the vaccine to the client.

It is recommended by WHO, vaccine must be stored and transported at all times within the temperature range of +2^°C to +8^°C (for some vaccine, temperature is below -20^°C). Stability of vaccine is maintained by cold chain system.

Importance of maintaining the cold chain

• 1. There is a need to ensure that an effective product is being used. Vaccine failures caused by administration of compromised vaccine may result in the re-emergence or occurrence of vaccine preventable disease.
• 2. Careful management of resources is important. Vaccines are expensive and can be in short supply. Loss of vaccines may result in the cancellation of immunization clinics resulting in lost opportunities to immunize.
• 3. Revaccination of people who have received an ineffective vaccine is professionally uncomfortable and may cause a loss of public confidence in vaccines and/or the health care system.