GCPHU June Update: Temperature Monitoring and Quadracel Change

Vaccine Temperature Monitoring

The National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ (3^rd edition) states that ALL purpose-built vaccine refrigerators (PBVRs) MUST have a data logger and thermometer to monitor refrigerator temperature continuously.

PBVR temperature monitoring checklist:

• Data loggers must be pre-set to record temperatures at 5-minute intervals.
• Data loggers must be downloaded, reviewed, and digitally stored at least weekly.
• Twice daily minimum and maximum temperatures must still be manually recorded as a timely alert to any cold chain breach.
• Data loggers must be set to alarm outside the +2^oC and +8 ^oC range.
• Train ALL staff to recognise the alarm and download the data logger information.
• If recordings are outside the +2^oC and +8 ^oC range, follow your Vaccine Management Protocol for a cold chain breach.
• Data loggers can be a portable digital data logger or inbuilt into the PBVR.
• Portable data loggers should be placed where it is easily seen and on the middle shelf in the PBVR.
• The vaccines should be stored as close as practicable to the data logger.
• If a data logger is used for twice-daily monitoring, it must have a visual min/max temperature display to allow real-time readings to be viewed and manually recorded.

Changes to Quadracel

Sanofi is transitioning from the five-pack Quadracel vial to a ten-pack pre-filled syringe presentation. QHIP will continue to distribute the remaining stock of five packs and the new ten-pack pre-filled presentation (depending on the quantities each provider orders). Please see the pictures of the new box and syringe presentation below for your information.

NOTE: Please be aware that the new Quadracel syringe looks very similar to the FluQuadri syringe. DO NOT remove the whole label from the syringes to prevent vaccine administration errors (VAEs).  

If you require additional immunisation support, contact the Gold Coast Public Health Unit at 5667 3200 or GCPHU-CDC@health.qld.gov.au.