Report a cold chain incident

Vaccines must be kept between 2°C to 8°C to ensure the vaccines stay as potent and effective as possible. When the vaccine storage refrigerator varies above or below these temperatures, this is known as a cold chain incident and must be immediately reported to Southeast Public Health. This includes minor excursions between +1.5 to 2.0°C, and +8.0 to 8.5°C.

1. Separate the exposed vaccines in the refrigerator by placing these vaccines in a labelled container or bag. Mark DO NOT USE. If the refrigerator is not currently stable, move the vaccines to a stable monitored vaccine refrigerator or cooler as per your contingency plans.
2. Call Southeast Public Health at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875 and ask to speak to the immunization nurse. A manager is on call after-hours.
3. Check to ensure your temperature monitoring device is working correctly. Ask yourself:
   1. Is it in the correct place?
   2. Does the battery need to be changed?
4. After checking the temperature monitoring device and the refrigerator, record the date, time, and current maximum and minimum temperatures and record them in your logbook.
5. Fax the following information to 613-549-0985:
   • The most up-to-date temperature logbook, including the previous two weeks worth of temperatures.

A completed Cold Chain Incident Vaccine Exposure report form:

• • • Cold Chain Incident Vaccine Exposure report form for Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
    • Cold Chain Incident Vaccine Exposure report form for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties

Request a Cold Chain Incident Vaccine Exposure report form for Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington

Do not discard any of the exposed vaccines until Southeast Public Health has assessed whether any of the vaccines may still be used.

Failure to report temperature excursions will result in suspension from ordering additional doses of publicly funded vaccine.