CDC publishes and routinely updates a comprehensive Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit covering topics such as vaccine storage units, temperature monitoring devices, and inventory management, vaccine transport and emergency vaccine storage and handling. The toolkit also contains troubleshooting guides to assist with vaccine storage unit issues or temperature excursions. This terrific resource, along with other vaccine storage and handling resources from CDC, is available online at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/storage/toolkit/index.html.
In addition, Immunize.org maintains many free, downloadable materials at www.immunize.org/handouts/vaccine-storage-handling.asp.
Last reviewed:
July 26, 2023
The CDC Storage and Handling Toolkit, available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/storage/toolkit/storage-handling-toolkit.pdf, contains information about recommended features to look for when selecting a temperature monitoring device or storage unit. If you store Vaccines for Children (VFC) or other federally-purchased vaccines, you may contact your state immunization manager or Vaccines for Children (VFC) coordinator for additional information on their recommendations or requirements. Contact information can be found here: www.immunize.org/coordinators.
Another option is to look for units that have the NSF/ANSI 456 certification. A refrigerator or freezer that is NSF-certified for vaccine storage means the units have been tested and certified to meet the NSF/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 456 standards for construction and performance of vaccine refrigerators and freezers used in healthcare settings where vaccines are given. These standards were developed through a collaboration with NSF, CDC, healthcare providers, public health agencies, equipment manufacturers, and vaccine manufacturers, including experts from Immunize.org.
CDC does not require NSF-certified units for vaccine storage in the Vaccines for Children program or any other federal program. Not all storage units capable of reliably storing vaccines have this certification; however, all storage unit models with this certification have met design and performance standards to properly store vaccines under a range of normal clinic conditions.
Last reviewed:
July 26, 2023
