Cold chain management

A cold chain is the series of storage and distribution activities that maintain a product in a given temperature range.

These resources will help you control the temperature of your vaccines during storage and distribution. For complete guidance on managing vaccines, see Appendix E: Management of Biologicals (Immunization Manual). (PDF)

Quick references

• Vaccine storage & handling: Quick reference guide for those who handle vaccines (12-page illustrated guide)
• Biologicals management PowerPoint presentation (PDF)
• How to store vaccine in the refrigerator (infographic PDF)
• Packing an insulated cooler (infographic PDF)

Forms & checklists

• Biologicals order form (PDF); Biologicals order form (Excel)
  
• Biologicals return and redistribution requirements form (PDF)
• Cold chain incident form (PDF); Cold chain incident form (Excel); Cold chain incident form Instructions (PDF)
  
• Cold chain incident process for publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: Pharmacy distributors and pharmacies (PDF)
  
• COVID-19 vaccine redistribution forms:
  
• Vaccine stored refrigerated (PDF)
• Vaccine stored in a standard freezer (PDF)
• Vaccine stored in an ultra-low temperature freezer (PDF)
• Field return form (PDF); Field return form (Excel)
  
• Freezer temperature form (PDF)
• Refrigerator temperature form (PDF) | Refrigerator temperature form instructions (PDF)
• Equipment malfunction or power failure (emergency plan checklist) (PDF)
• Storage & handling vaccine supply(checklist PDF)

Mass immunization clinic management

• Vaccine handling tips for mass immunization clinics (PDF)
• Algorithms for managing a cold chain incident within and outside of a health authority (PDF)
• British Columbia mass immunization clinic: Cold chain project 2005-06: Final report (PDF)

Biologicals management training videos