Vaccine quality is the shared responsibility of all handlers of vaccines from the time a vaccine is manufactured until administration.  Emphasis on the importance of good policies and procedures, frequent and on-going training of staff, proper equipment and maintenance will help all staff provide high quality vaccines and reduce waste caused by improper storage.

Even with proper education and training, vaccine losses and recalls continue to occur throughout the DoD due to improper storage and handling.  According to the CDC, "improper storage is the most common vaccine delivery problem they encounter.”  Vaccines, like all temperature sensitive products need to be kept at the appropriate temperature range in order to protect our Service members and beneficiaries.  Failure to adhere to recommended specifications for storage and handling of immunizations can reduce their potency, resulting in an inadequate immune response and protection of our patients.  Good storage and handling procedures at all vaccine delivery locations ensures we always provide our patients the highest quality of care.