COVID-19 vaccines are sensitive biological products that must be carefully managed to protect their potency and stability.
Information related to the transport, storage and handling to maintain optimal temperature conditions, otherwise known as cold chain, can be found below.
AUDIENCE: Individuals supporting the transport, storage and handling of all COVID-19 vaccines
USE: This webpage directs users to information included in the Standard Operating Procedures for COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine-specific cold chain, reporting and data requirements, and communication pathways.
WHAT: BC Immunization Manual “Appendix E: Management of Biologicals” - BCCDC
AUDIENCE: Individuals supporting the transport, storage and handling of provincial vaccines
USE: Includes complete overall guidance on the management of vaccines, including the cold chain process, general recommendations, required equipment, handling of biological products, and the management of a cold chain incident.
WHAT: Guidance Documents - BCCDC
AUDIENCE: Individuals supporting the receiving and handling of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
USE: Provides specific guidance for the receipt and handling of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines; including dry ice procedures where relevant. Topics such as temperature requirements upon vaccine receipt, cold chain maintenance, equipment and unpacking thermal shipping containers are covered.
WHAT: BCCDC Vaccine Management webpage (training videos) - BCCDC
AUDIENCE: Individuals supporting the transport, storage and handling of provincial vaccines
USE: The BCCDC Vaccine Management webpage includes training videos on overall Biological Management for vaccines. These videos include an introduction on managing biologicals, cold chain breaks, surplus of vaccine, and vaccine expiry.
WHAT: Dry Ice Handling Safety Training Course - LearningHub course #24530
AUDIENCE: Any employees handling thermal shippers, dry ice replenishments or disposal.
USE: This course provides dry ice safety training for the purposes of vaccine packing and transporting.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the hazards of dry ice.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safe dry ice handling, storage, disposal, and transportation practices.
- Use dry ice safety strategies in the application of vaccine storage, handling, and transport.
WHAT: Vaccine Storage and Handling Course - LearningHub course #19652
AUDIENCE: Medical Office Assistants, Health Unit Aides, as well as any other interested immunizer (e.g., PHNs, Pharmacists, RNs, Physicians, health care students).
USE: To learn or refresh knowledge regarding how to appropriately handle and store vaccines based on our provincial guidelines. Cold chain and cold chain breaks are discussed.
Quick reference guides
WHAT: Vaccine Storage and Handling Quick Reference Guide - BCCDC
AUDIENCE: Individuals supporting the transport, storage and handling of provincial vaccines
USE: An illustrated quick reference guide for the storage and handling of vaccines that can be kept at 2-8°C. Topics covered include: acceptable refrigerators for vaccine storage, monitoring of vaccines, transporting vaccines, and cold chain incidents. Though this resource is not specific to mRNA vaccines, some of the information can be used to inform their storage and handling when they are being used at 2-8°C.
WHAT: Temperature Probe Characteristics – Immunize BC Operations Centre
AUDIENCE: Individuals supporting the transport, storage and handling of all COVID-19 vaccines
USE: Reference sheet comparing and contrasting the characteristics of the Ultra probeless dry ice, Ultra dry ice probe, and Ultra temperature monitoring devices.
WHAT: Cold Chain Incident Reporting process – Immunize BC Operations Centre
AUDIENCE: Individuals supporting the receipt, transport, storage and handling of COVID-19 vaccines
USE: Step by step reporting process for temperature excursions occurring while vaccine is in the custody of the manufacturer, enroute to a primary delivery site and temperature excursions occurring while vaccine is in the custody of the health authority.
