Tools and approaches to ensure quality of vaccines throughout the cold chain

Figures & data

Figure 1. Freeze sensitivity and heat stability of traditional vaccines.

Figure 2. Freeze sensitivity and heat stability of new vaccines.

Table 1. WHO-recommended temperature monitoring devices for storage and transportation of vaccines.

Description	International transport	Primary vaccine store	Transport	Intermediate vaccine store	Transport	Service level
Electronic shipping indicators	✓		✓
Vaccine cold chain monitor	✓		✓
Vaccine vial monitor	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Irreversible freeze indicator	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Programmable electronic temperature and event logger systems with integral alarm and auto-dialer options		✓		✓
Integrated electronic maximum–minimum thermometer, with factory-programmed alarms, for vaccine refrigerators and freezers		✓		✓		✓
Wall-mounted pen recording thermometer		✓		✓
User-programmable temperature data loggers	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
30-day electronic refrigerator temperature logger		✓		✓		✓

Figure 3. Temperature impact on life loss of vaccines calculated on the basis of vaccine vial monitor reaction. Each transportation is assumed to be done at a continuous temperature of +43°C for a period of 48 h with a minimum temperature reading inside the vaccine transport box recorded as 11.5°C, a maximum of 25.3°C and an average of 18.9°C throughout each journey. This scenario was repeated four times.

Kartoglu U, Ganivet S, Guichard S, et al. Use of cool water packs to prevent freezing during vaccine transportation at the country level. PDA J Pharm Sci Technol 2009;63(1):11-26

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