Image Credit: Time
Dormitory style refrigerators have not been allowed for long-term vaccine storage since 2009, however, they were allowed for short-term use (less than a day) until 2013. By the end of 2013 vaccine programs across the country strictly prohibited the use of dormitory style refrigerators for even temporary vaccine storage.
Today, providers participating in the Vaccines for Children program are not allowed to store vaccines in dormitory style refrigerators under any circumstance. If a provider is found to be using a dormitory style refrigerator at the time of a provider compliance site visit they will be forced to deliver a corrective action plan which entails replacing dormitory style refrigerators with standalone purpose built units.
What makes a refrigerator “dormitory style?”
A dormitory-style refrigerator is defined as a small combination freezer/refrigerator unit that is outfitted with one exterior door and an evaporator plate (cooling coil), which is usually located inside an icemaker compartment (freezer) within the refrigerator.
Based on research published in December 2009, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) concluded that “the dorm-style refrigerator is NOT recommended for vaccine storage under any circumstance.” These units have hot and cold sports and pose a significant risk of freezing refrigerated vaccines causing them to lose efficacy. In addition, the freezer compartment is not capable of keeping temperatures within the recommended range for frozen vaccines.
What is different about a medical-grade refrigerator?
Dormitory style refrigerators used to be the only option for storing small amounts of vaccine. However, medical-grade refrigerator manufacturers have begun to provide small units which are designed specifically for the storage of vaccines and biologics. These compact medical-grade refrigerators provide a safe and reliable storage environment for temperature sensitive vaccines.
Unlike dormitory refrigerator/freezers, medical-grade refrigerators and freezers provide the following to ensure your vaccines are stored safely and effectively:
- Fan-forced air circulation with powerful fans helps promote uniform temperatures, meaning no hot and cold spots, and no risk of damaging sensitive vaccines.
- A microprocessor-based temperature control with a digital temperature sensor so that providers do not have to guess where to set the temperature dial to achieve appropriate storage temperatures.
- Standard alarms designed to locally alert providers if the unit is out of temperature range.
- Self-closing doors to ensure vaccines are not exposed to inappropriate temperatures.
- Continuous temperature monitoring and logging capabilities
- Certificates of Calibration to ensure the unit meets VFC compliance
Providers across the country are still working to replace dormitory style units which are storing vaccines. If you are looking to replace dormitory sized units, there are medical-grade refrigerators available in various sizes, including compact and undercounter refrigerators to meet your vaccine storage needs.
