2. Have An Emergency Vaccine Transport Plan
Vaccine storage appliances are all vulnerable to failure at some point, either due to power outages, breakdowns, or regular wear and tear. So, you should have a working agreement with at least one alternative storage facility where you will have 24-hour access in addition to other emergency backup options. Facilities that fit the bill in this regard include hospitals, long-term care facilities, state depots, the Red Cross, fire stations, packing plants, and commercial pharmacies. Some points to keep in mind before transporting would be:
- Ensure that you can access your facility’s building after regular business hours
- Keep flashlights, spare batteries, keys and transport coolers and equipment accessible.
- Pack vaccines in a qualified containers with a TMD (temperature monitoring device), and ensure contents remain within the optimal temperature range