IMPORTANCE OF VETERINARY VACCINE TRANSPORT, STORAGE & HANDLING

 

IMPORTANCE OF VETERINARY VACCINE TRANSPORT STORAGE & HANDLING

 

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 

Image-Courtesy-Google

 

Reference-On Request.

Vaccines are sensitive biological substances that may lose their potency and effectiveness if exposed to temperatures (heat and/or cold) outside the temperature range of +2 °C to +8 °C or also if exposed to sun light.  Immunizations help save lives, prevent serious illnesses. Immunization programs are among the most cost-effective ways to prevent disease.

Vaccines have played a large role in enabling people and animals to live longer and healthier lives. In our lifetimes, human diseases such as polio have been nearly eradicated. It is hoped that with the same dedication and vigilance, the veterinary community can help eliminate animal diseases such as parvovirus and panleukopenia. Vaccination protocols are the foundation of veterinary wellness. Proper transport, storage, handling, and administration of vaccines are essential, and each person on the veterinary healthcare team plays a role in these important measures .

Proper transport, storage, and handling of vaccines are issues that are frequently overlooked when creating or implementing vaccine protocols. Between the time a vaccine leaves the manufacturer’s plant and the time it is injected into an animal, there are many opportunities for inadvertent contamination or inactivation. By being aware of these potential “weak points” in a vaccine protocol, technicians can help ensure that vaccines are not rendered ineffective because of improper handling.

Awareness of vaccine transport, storage, and handling issues is greater in human medicine than in veterinary medicine because of the risk of epidemic diseases such as polio, influenza, and smallpox. By reviewing research on human vaccine protocols, veterinary professionals can learn a great deal about proper vaccine handling.

Typical vaccines used in veterinary medicine include modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines, killed and adjuvanted vaccines, and recombinant vaccines. The different forms of vaccines have different susceptibilities to storage conditions. The term cold chain is used in human medicine to emphasize the importance of keeping vaccines at an appropriate temperature throughout the chain of transport, storage, and administration. Exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range can lead to reduced protection against infectious disease. MLV vaccines require close attention to the cold chain because they tend to be more heat sensitive than other types of vaccines.In addition to excessive cold and heat, exposure to light can cause vaccines to be rendered ineffective.

Following are to be considered for effective vaccination programs  :

Storage

Virtually all vaccines used in small and large animal veterinary medicine, including lyophilized (freeze-dried) and liquid forms, must be stored in the dark between 35°F (2°C) and 45°F (7°C). A few veterinary vaccines (e.g., some poultry and fish vaccines) must be kept frozen; technicians working with frozen vaccines should contact the manufacturer for specific storage instructions. Vaccines requiring refrigeration must be stored in a designated refrigerator. This should be a standard-size refrigerator with a separate freezer compartment—not a mini dormitory-style refrigerator—to ensure better temperature control. The temperature inside a refrigerator can vary, with warmer temperatures in the door and vegetable bins and colder temperatures near the cold air outlet from the freezer to the refrigerator. For this reason, vaccines should be kept in the center of the refrigerator, far enough from the freezer compartment to prevent them from freezing. Storing jugs of water in the refrigerator may also help prevent temperature fluctuations. Vaccines should be kept in their original packaging, and boxes should be rotated so that the newest batch (with the latest expiration date) is in the back and is used last. Food and beverages should not be stored in the vaccine refrigerator; doing so violates Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. In addition, frequently opening the refrigerator to retrieve food can also lead to temperature fluctuations.

Equally important to keeping vaccines refrigerated is monitoring and logging the refrigerator’s temperature. The clinic should designate a primary person and a backup person to be responsible for the vaccine cold chain. A good-quality thermometer should be kept in the middle of the vaccine refrigerator, and the refrigerator temperature should be checked twice daily (i.e., at the start and finish of the business day). The temperature should be recorded in a log book, with the exact time it was checked and the initials of the individual who is monitoring the temperature; if the temperature in the vaccine refrigerator is outside the recommended range (i.e., <35°F [2°C] or >45°F [7°C]), the log provides a visual trigger to take action.

If the temperature goes above or below the recommended range, immediate investigation is required. It should be verified that the door seals are intact and that the door shuts tightly. The thermostat should be adjusted if necessary, and an appliance repair person should be called if needed. The exact temperature and action taken should be documented in the log book.

In case of a power outage, the refrigerator should not be opened until power has been restored. When power is restored, the temperature inside the refrigerator should be immediately checked and logged, along with the duration of the power outage. Affected vaccines should not be discarded but should be marked and kept separate from unaffected vials. The manufacturers of the vaccines should be called for guidance. Depending on the duration of the outage and the ending temperature in the refrigerator, the vaccines may still be usable. If a prolonged power outage is anticipated (e.g., because of a hurricane or other natural disaster), the vaccines may be moved off-site to a location that will not be affected.

Storage at room temperature for a couple of hours is most likely insignificant, but it is unknown at what temperature and length of exposure inactivation becomes a concern.

General tips for vaccine transport , storage, & handling

• Designate primary and backup personnel to be in charge of vaccine inventory, storage, and handling.
• Maintain a vaccine inventory log that notes the vaccine’s quantity, manufacturer, brand, lot number, expiration date, date of arrival, and arrival condition.
• When a shipment arrives, check the temperature inside the shipping box and immediately refrigerate the vaccines.
• Use only the diluent supplied with the vaccine.
• Do not reconstitute or draw up the vaccine into the syringe until it is needed.
• Avoid mixing different vaccines in the same syringe unless licensed for that use.
• Properly dispose of syringes and needles in a sharps container.

Transport

• Use an insulated cooler to transport vaccines.
• Keep a thermometer in the cooler.
• Maintain the temperature between 35°F–45°F (2°C–7°C).
• Use refrigerated or frozen packs as needed to maintain the appropriate temperature in the cooler.
• Place insulation (e.g., bubble wrap) between the vaccine vials and the frozen pack to prevent direct contact.
• Keep the vaccines in their original packaging.
• To minimize exposure to extreme temperatures, keep the cooler in the interior of the vehicle instead of the trunk or truck bed.

Storage

• Keep vaccines in a standard-size refrigerator with a separate freezer compartment.
• Keep a good-quality thermometer in the vaccine storage refrigerator.
• Maintain the refrigerator between 35°F–45°F (2°C–7°C).
• Do not store vaccines in a mini dormitory-style refrigerator.
• Do not keep vaccines in the door, in vegetable bins, against the walls, or against the cold air inlet of the refrigerator.
• Do not overpack the refrigerator.
• Store vaccines in their original packaging.
• Stack vaccines by type, and rotate the stock so that the batch with the earliest expiration date is used first.
• Record the temperature twice daily on a log sheet.
• If the temperature is above or below the recommended range, notify the supervisor and call an appliance repairperson if necessary.
• Store jugs of water in the vaccine refrigerator to help maintain steady temperatures.
• Check the refrigerator seals regularly.
• Make sure all staff members close the refrigerator door tightly after opening.
• Do not store food or beverages in the vaccine refrigerator.
• Mark the refrigerator’s electrical outlet with “do not unplug” signs.

TEMPERATURE MAINTAINENCE:

Temperatures for vaccine handling and storage can be maintained by employing a cold chain in handling, storage pathway as detailed below:   Cold chain is necessary for effective vaccine handling: Ideal temperature for vaccine storage and handling ranges between +2 °C to +8 °C (optimum temperature range). Vaccines should be maintained  at an optimum temperature range without freezing. While freezing refers to a situation where vaccines experience temperatures at or below 0 °C. Most vaccines are considered to be damaged at 0 °C because most of water based products e.t.c  are freezed at such temperatures and fluctuation in temperatures i.e 0 or lower than 0-above 0 °C may damage vaccine microorganisms or their antigenic structures.This may happen due to freezing and thawing process which is potentially harmful and damaging to vaccine entities . Failure to fulfill cold chain requirements may reduce vaccine potency, resulting in lack of protection  and/or increased reactions after administration of such vaccines.

The loss of vaccine effectiveness in such cases could be permanent and irreversible. Hence vaccines may be wasted if they have been exposed to temperatures below +2 °C and/or above +8 °C. Cold chain must be linked to back up and back up of the back up generators i.e multiple generators   to preserve the quality of vaccines in case of power outage.    Single-dose vaccines must be readily used once opened and discarded if not not used at once as they may not contain antibacterial agent. However multi-dose vials of vaccine contain a bacteriostatic agent and can be used until the date of expiration, unless they become visibly contaminated. All multi-dose vials must be labeled with the date the vial was opened and the initials of the person who opened it. In the event the refrigerator temperatures/freezer temperatures are out-of-range, this information will be important in determining the viability of the remaining doses in the vial.

Two types of refrigerators used for  vaccine handling are:

1.      Purpose-built refrigerators

2.      Conventional/Domestic (kitchen) and bar refrigerators

Purpose-built refrigerators:

Purpose-built refrigerators are the preferred refrigerators and are mostly  used when storage of large inventories of vaccines is desired. Although , considerably more expensive than domestic (kitchen) and bar refrigerators, they have several advantages e.g : The temperature regulation mechanism ensures narrow tolerances with internal temperatures. This provides appropriate temperature regulation; – Ongoing air circulation ensures that the temperature is distributed evenly; – An internal temperature between +2 °C to +8 °C is maintained; – An evaporator operates at +2 °C, preventing the vaccine from freezing; – The temperature recovery system is very quick; and – The forced air circulation helps to keep internal temperatures between +2 °C to +8 °C even when the ambient temperature changes.

Note: Generally  conventional/domestic (kitchen) and bar refrigerators do not have any of these features.   Conventional/Domestic (kitchen) and bar refrigerators Always consider that domestic and bar refrigerators are designed and built for food and drink storage – not for the special temperature requirements of vaccines.  Although it is not recommended, it may be possible (very complex) to manage kitchen and bar refrigerators to reduce the risk of heating and/or freezing the vaccines through its thermostatic control.Temperature Monitoring Devices  A temperature monitoring device is also an essential requirement . Always use a temperature monitoring device that is calibrated to within ±1 °C accuracy. Such devices should be checked for accuracy on an regular basis, as they lose their accuracy over time . If such device is digital and battery operated always change the batteries on or prior to their expiry period and use well reputed source of batteries to ensure proper working of the devices. 1. Digital maximum-minimum thermometers : These thermometers provide three readings: a).The current temperature, b).The maximum temperature reached since it was last reset and c). The minimum temperature since it was last reset.  It should have a display screen so that the temperature can be visually checked and to allow for troubleshooting if the thermostatic control fails or some error is noted e.g temperatures are below +2 °C and/or above +8 °C.   2. Data loggers: Data loggers are continuous temperature recording devices & offer a historical record of their surroundings where they are employed e.g refrigerator. Temperature readings taken by it can be downloaded onto a computer. Print the temperature readings out on a weekly basis (or more often if required) and retain them for certain desired period e.g until the complete batch of vaccine is consumed and the performance of the same vaccine batch is monitored as acceptable or no complaints related to cold chain breakage are received from the field .The data logger display should also be equipped with a digital display screen so the temperature can be visually checked . This will also allow for troubleshooting if temperatures are below +2 °C and/or above +8 °C.

Power Outage

• Have a written protocol addressing power outages.
• If the outage is ongoing, consider moving vaccines to a place where they can be maintained at the appropriate temperature.
• Do not open the refrigerator or freezer until power is restored.
• As soon as power is restored, record the temperature in the refrigerator and the duration of the outage.
• Do not discard the affected vaccines.
• Mark the affected vaccines so that they can be easily identified.
• Call the vaccine manufacturer for guidance regarding whether the vaccines may still be used.

Transport

Vaccines are frequently transported in large animal practices and in small animal house-call practices. The cold chain must be maintained during transport. Vaccines should be kept in an insulated cooler. Frozen ice packs or refrigerated packs should be used as needed to maintain the temperature between 35°F (2°C) and 45°F (7°C). The temperature in the cooler should be monitored and logged immediately before and after transport. A layer of insulation should be tucked between the vaccine box and the ice packs to prevent direct contact, which could result in freezing temperatures in the vaccine vial. The cooler should be kept in the passenger cabin of the vehicle; temperatures in a trunk or truck bed could get too hot in summer or too cold in winter.

 

TRANSPORTING VACCINES:

 

Not only during storage we have to maintain the temperature and should avoid sun and light exposure to vaccines but also during transport. Whether you are transporting the vaccine to short distances or long distances, appropriate packing is a must to ensure the viability of the vaccine. Pack the vaccine as follows: Use portable refrigerators, hard-sided or Styrofoam coolers with at least two-inch thick walls. Place cold packs (not frozen) on the bottom and sides of the cooler. Place a minimum of two inches of insulating barrier over the cold packs (e.g., bubble wrap, brown packing paper, or newspaper). Don’t place vaccines directly on or next to cold packs. Place vaccines (in their original packaging) in a plastic bag on top of the insulating barrier. Place a certified-calibrated thermometer on top of the vaccine. Add another two-inch layer of insulating barrier. Add another layer of cold packs. Secure lid; tape if necessary. Label the contents as “Perishable” or “Biologics” or “Vaccines.” While you are at an off-site clinic with vaccine, check and record the temperatures in the coolers hourly on a temperature log, at a minimum. Also avoid direct exposure of vaccine to sunlight.

Note: Never use transparent packing material to transport the vaccines e.g plastic shopper bags e.t.c. should be avoided.     Training the Staff Designated to Monitor Vaccine Storage and Handling : •

Staff handling vaccines should have knowledge of: – The importance of the cold chain; – Vaccine storage and handling practices; – Equipment maintenance and repair procedures; – The appropriate action to be taken in the event of a vaccine exposure; and – Contingency plans and ensure that they are in place in the event of premises closure during staff vacation, equipment failure and/or electrical disruptions. All staff members should also be trained in reading the vaccine temperature monitoring device(s), and documenting and monitoring the vaccine storage temperatures to provide backup in the event of staff vacations or other absences.

Note:Such staff should be supervised by a relevant degree holder/qualified professional e.g a pharmacist (a requirement by Government of India).     Vaccine Vial Monitors (VVM) provide information about falling potency: VVMs, which measure exposure to heat, are time and temperature sensitive labels attached to vials of vaccine at the time of manufacture. Through a gradual colour change they warn about the falling potency. They are designed to meet the vaccine’s heat stability curve as per WHO or manufacturer requirements The information delivered by a VVM is simple. If the inner square is of lighter colour than the outer reference ring, the vaccine can be used. If the inner square is of the same colour or darker than outer ring, the vaccine should not be used . The VVMs can be seen as a catalyst for much needed changes in strategies of vaccine distribution via the cold chain. It will definitely reduce distribution costs and increase flexibility in handling of vaccines in the field, thus helping to make operations more effective.     Some of the Marek’s vaccine manufacturers are using VVMs in poultry vaccines.   Future Trends There are more concentration and attention being given on the below subject: In future vaccine distribution without a cold chain would considerably simplify the delivery system . Sugar-glass drying technology allows vaccines to be made which can be stored and transported routinely at tropical room temperatures. Long term stabilising ability of trehalose -a disaccharide is made use of in drying and stabilizing technology in vaccine manu-facturing. Though the results are encouraging, the high cost of regulation and lack of a sure market have prevented any sugar dried vaccine product from being licensed. New multivalent vaccines stabilized with this technology would be regulated for shelf-life storage at temperate or tropical room temperatures. Once all vaccines have been stabilized there will no longer be a need for refrigeration equipment and the associated maintenance. As a consequence it is estimated that there will be a substantial global savings annually amounting to approximately $300 million.

 

Handling

For lyophilized vaccines, only the diluent that is provided with the vaccine should be used. Generally, diluents do not need to be refrigerated, but it is usually more convenient to keep them in the refrigerator with their corresponding vaccines. A new, sterile syringe and needle should always be used for drawing up and administering a vaccine. Vaccines should not be reconstituted or drawn up into the syringe until needed. Not only may the reconstituted vaccine be more temperature sensitive than the nonreconstituted vaccine, but there is also a risk of bacterial contamination and overgrowth if the syringe is left for a prolonged period. In addition, there is a risk of “mistaken identity” because many vaccines look similar in the syringe.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends using vaccines within 30 minutes of reconstitution.

Some veterinary vaccines are available in multidose vials. When using a multidose vial, the veterinarian should ensure that the vial has been thoroughly mixed before withdrawing a dose and take steps to minimize contamination of the vial.

Standard sharps safety procedures should be followed to prevent accidental needlesticks. This is of particular concern with brucellosis vaccines because the vaccine agent is live and zoonotic.

 

A vaccine program can help prevent many potential problems for producers. However, if vaccines aren’t stored and handled correctly, the program can be ineffective.

Extreme temperature changes, both cold and hot, are harmful to vaccines. Vaccines that have killed antigens, or ‘killed vaccines’, contain an adjuvant to help enhance the immune response. If the vaccine gets too cold or freezes, the vaccine may undergo adverse changes to the adjuvant or antigen, resulting in a less effective vaccine and reduced immune response.

Warm temperatures and UV light can have negative effects on most vaccines and can cause them to become ineffective.

Thawing or re-cooling a vaccine that has been exposed to extreme temperatures won’t restore to its original form. If the vaccine has been exposed to extreme conditions, it shouldn’t be administered to the animal and should be disposed.
Labels typically suggest vaccines are stored between 35°-45° F. If the vaccine is kept at a temperature above or below the recommended temperature on the label, it could adversely affect the vaccine.

The effectiveness of the vaccine can also depend on handling. When a vaccine is developed, a minimum immunizing dose (MID) is established. The MID represents the amount of antigen that will be present in the vaccine dose at the expiration date. This helps give producers assurance that the vaccine will offer protection until the expiration date if handled correctly.

“Using freeze-dried vaccines can be a risk if proper handling methods aren’t taken.”Once the vaccine has been re-hydrated, poor handling can adversely affect it.”

All vaccines suggest that immediate product use once opened is the best measure to ensure product potency. If the product isn’t used immediately, the vaccine should be properly disposed. Vaccine stock should be rotated frequently. By rotating the vaccine stock, it helps reduce the risk of the vaccine becoming ineffective due to the expiration date being reached.

 

Best practices for storing vaccine and diluent in a refrigerated unit include:

• Always store vaccines in their original packaging with lids closed until ready for administration. This protects them from light and provides additional thermal protection/stability. Never store loose vials outside of their packaging. This increases the risk of administration errors, exposes vaccine to light, and makes it more difficult to track expiration dates and manage inventory.
• Place water bottles on the top shelf, floor, and in the door racks. Putting water bottles in the unit can help maintain stable temperatures caused by frequently opening and closing unit doors or a power failure. It can also prevent vaccines from being stored in areas where there is a greater risk of out-of-range temperatures (such as the top shelf, floor, and door). Place water bottles carefully so they cannot dislodge, preventing the door from closing securely or weighing the door down so the seals are not tight. Label all water bottles “DO NOT DRINK.”
• Whenever possible, store diluent with the corresponding refrigerated vaccine.
• To maintain proper temperatures in the refrigerator, leave the freezer on at the factory-set or midpoint temperature setting.
• It may take 2 to 7 days to stabilize the temperature in a newly installed or repaired refrigerator. Before using a unit to store vaccines, check and record temperatures a minimum of two times each workday for 2 to 7 days.
• Attach labels to shelves and containers to clearly identify where each type of vaccine and diluent is stored.
• Store vaccines and diluents with similar packaging or names on different shelves to minimize the risk of administration errors.
• Place vaccines and diluents in the center of the unit 2 to 3 inches away from walls, ceiling, floor, and door.
• Avoid storing vaccines and diluents in any part of the unit that may not provide stable temperatures or sufficient air flow, such as directly under cooling vents (2° C to 5° C colder) or in shelves on the door. The instability of temperatures and air flow in these areas may expose them to inappropriate storage temperatures.
• Do not store vaccines in deli, fruit, or vegetable drawers or in the door. Temperatures in these areas are not stable and can differ from those inside the main part of the unit.
• Arrange vaccines and diluents in rows, allowing space between rows to promote air circulation. This helps each vaccine and diluent maintain a consistent temperature.
• Place vaccines and diluents with the earliest expiration dates in front of those with later expiration dates.
• Do not pack a storage unit too tightly. This can restrict air circulation and impact vaccine temperature.
• If possible, no items other than vaccines, diluents, and water bottles should be placed or stored in the units.
• Food and beverages should never be stored in the unit with vaccines. Doing so can lead to frequent opening of the door to access food, putting vaccines at risk of temperature fluctuations and excessive light exposure. It can also result in spills and contamination.
• If other medications must be stored in the same unit as vaccines, never store these products in the same container with vaccines. Always store them below vaccines and on a different shelf. This prevents contamination and reduces the likelihood of medication errors.

• Check unit doors throughout the day and always at the end of the day to ensure they are tightly closed. A door left open not only affects temperature in the unit, but can also expose vaccines to light, putting them at risk of reduced potency.
• Refrigerated vaccines should be stored at temperatures between 2° C and 8° C (36° F and 46° F). The thermostat should be set at midrange to achieve a temperature of about 5° C (40° F), which will decrease the likelihood of temperature excursions.
• For specific, detailed storage and handling protocols for individual vaccines always refer to the manufacturers’ product information and package inserts, or contact the manufacturer directly.
• While exposure to any inappropriate conditions can affect potency of refrigerated vaccines, a single exposure to freezing temperatures (0° C [32° F] or colder) will destroy some. Liquid vaccines that contain an aluminum adjuvant can permanently lose potency when exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Vaccine appearance is not a reliable indicator that vaccines have been stored in appropriate conditions. For example, inactivated vaccines, even when exposed to freezing temperatures, may not appear frozen, giving no indication of reduced or lost potency.

Preparing Vaccine for Administration

 

Vaccine preparation is the final step in the cold chain before administration. Handling vaccines with care is equally as important as storing them properly.

• Vaccines should be prepared in a designated area away from any space where potentially contaminated items are placed.
• Only prepare vaccines when you are ready to administer them. Always check expiration dates and confirm that you have selected the correct vaccine.
• Only administer vaccines you have prepared. This is a quality control and patient safety issue and a best practice standard of medication administration. If vaccine is drawn up by one person but administered by another, the person administering the vaccine cannot be sure what is in the syringe and whether it is safe.

A single-dose vial (SDV) contains ONE dose and should be used ONE time for ONE patient.

• Do not combine leftover vaccine from one SDV with another to obtain a dose.
• Do not open an SDV until ready to use. Before you remove the protective cap, always check the vial to make sure you have the correct vaccine. Once you remove the cap, you must use the vaccine because it may not be possible to determine if the rubber seal has been punctured.
• Discard any unused SDVs without a protective cap at the end of the workday.

Reconstitution

 

Lyophilized (freeze-dried) vaccines may be in the form of a powder or pellet that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) in a process known as “reconstitution” before being administered.

Liquid diluents vary in volume and composition and are specifically designed to meet volume, pH (acid/alkaline balance), and chemical requirements of their corresponding vaccine. Some diluents contain antigen.

Diluents are not interchangeable unless specified by the manufacturer. Even if the diluent is composed of sterile water or saline, use only the diluent supplied with the vaccine to reconstitute it. Never use a stock vial of sterile water or normal saline to reconstitute vaccines.

 VACCINE HANDLING

 Vaccines stimulate an animals’ immune system to produce a protective response against an organism. The immune system will then “remember” how to produce a response against the organism if challenged by the organism within a certain time frame. Vaccinating your goats cannot prevent exposure to infectious organisms, but they do increase an animals’ ability to fend off an infection or lessen the severity of the disease if it occurs.

 

Vaccines contain either killed or modified live viruses and/or bacteria. Both viruses and bacteria in these vaccines are made of protein complexes that have a very specific structure. If this structure is changed the effectiveness of the vaccine is greatly decreased. To be effective, killed vaccines require a large number of bacteria or viruses to be injected into the animal and modified live vaccines must have live viruses/bacteria to replicate once injected into the animal.  All of the structure of the vaccine must be intact for the vaccine to maintain its effectiveness.

 

Vaccination effectiveness is dependent on both animal factors and vaccine factors:

 

1:  Animal factors include age, condition, sickness, worm burden and stress.

2: Vaccine factors include vaccine temperature, exposure to sunlight, vaccine mixing in a clean syringe, contamination of the vaccine in the syringe or bottle, and the length of time the vaccine is mixed.

Vaccine handling:

 

On Farm Critical Control Points for Vaccine Handling:

 

1. Transport and Storage:

• Always transport vaccines in an insulated container with sufficient frozen ice-packs to keep the desired temperature to point of destination. If the temperature of the vaccine is above refrigeration temperature or the vaccine is exposed to sunlight for too long the structure of the protein complexes is altered and the vaccine loses its effectiveness.
• On the farm keep vaccine in a reliable refrigerator with a min/max thermometer (4-8 C)
• Do not freeze vaccines.
• Have a contingency plan in case of fridge failure or extended power failure (Sufficient cooler box space and frozen ice-packs).

2. Taking the vaccines to the cattle shed to vaccinate:

• Transport vaccine to and keep in an insulated container with sufficient frozen ice-packs at the working area where animals are to be vaccinated.
• Keep vaccine out of direct sunlight.
• Administer reconstituted live vaccines within 1 hour. Live vaccines begin to loose potency as soon as they are mixed up.
• Do not attempt to preserve reconstituted vaccines in a fridge for future use. They will no longer be viable.
• Always consult the vaccine package insert for the correct information on storage, handling, dose, route of administration and possible precautions.
• Change needles regularly: Repeated syringe filling and needle puncture of the vaccine bottle may also carry contamination into the bottle.

 

Cleaning syringes:

 

(a): Syringes should be cleaned by washing with a detergent or soap (the outside only).

Detergents, soaps and disinfectants will kill modified live vaccines and/or alter the structure of the protein complexes in both killed and modified live vaccines. Cleaning a syringe with detergent and rinsing it a few times will leave enough detergent in the syringe to kill the virus or bacteria in a modified live vaccine and may change the structure of the protein complexes in a killed vaccine, making the vaccine ineffective.

 

(b): Disassemble the syringe, place in boiling water, the plunger lubricated with clean Vaseline and assemble them in a clean dust free area while they are still hot. They should be stored in a new zip-lock bag in the freezer.  Never get any detergent or disinfectants inside the syringe.

 

(c): Never use a syringe for a vaccine that has had an antibiotic in it.

 

(d): Never use a syringe for a modified live vaccine that has had a killed vaccine in it. All of these procedures will destroy the effectiveness of a vaccination program.