Unfortunately, it’s estimated that up to 50% of all vaccines are wasted every year due to improper storage procedures. All vaccines must be kept at below ambient temperatures not just before use, but throughout the entire supply chain process. So what role do data loggers have in ensuring temperature monitoring for these Vaccines?
Why Cold Storage is Vital for Vaccines
Vaccines can lose their efficacy if they are kept in temperatures that are too cold or warm, which might lead to them being ineffective against disease. As a result, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that vaccines be maintained at +2°C to +8°C throughout the cold chain until administration. Because faulty refrigeration equipment, incorrect temperature settings, and human error may all contribute to vaccines being stored incorrectly, it is critical to have a robust system in place for monitoring temperatures.
HOW A VACCINE DATA LOGGER CAN KEEP THE VALUE OF YOUR STOCK FROM DECREASING
According to the WHO, it’s crucial that the temperature of refrigerators is continually monitored so that any fluctuations can be immediately identified and addressed. This is because traditional methods – like having staff visually check a fridge thermometer and then record the reading on a paper chart – are error-prone: for example, the temperature might be misread or plotted incorrectly on the recording chart, or the staff member may simply forget to do their job.
HOW A VACCINE DATA LOGGER CAN KEEP THE VALUE OF YOUR STOCK FROM DECREASING
According to the WHO, it’s crucial that the temperature of refrigerators is continually monitored so that any fluctuations can be immediately identified and addressed. This is because traditional methods – like having staff visually check a fridge thermometer and then record the reading on a paper chart – are error-prone: for example, the temperature might be misread or plotted incorrectly onthe recording chart, or the staff member may simply forget to do their job.
A vaccine data logger makes it simple to keep track of vaccine temperatures throughout the supply process:
- A data logger continuously monitors the temperature of the cold storage in order to detect any changes instantly, rather than checking it at intervals.
- An alarm sounds and an email alert is sent to relevant staff if a temperature fluctuation is detected, so that they may take prompt action to protect the stock.
- This data is automatically collected and retained, so staff won’t have to remember to check the temperature manually.
- Data is never to be compromised
- A more precise temperature reading is obtained, often by 0.2°C.
- In the case of wood-burning stoves, for example, a temperature graph is easy to interpret and there’s no danger of mistakes.
- Because the data logger is battery operated, any loss of mains power will have no effect.
