In order to maintain the potency of vaccine, it is critical to keep vaccine cold all the times, no whether at the stage of transport or storage. The number of times vaccines are handled and transported should be minimized. 


When the vaccines are transported from manufacturing sites to Hong Kong by air, then distributed to hospitals, clinics and medical centres on land, the vaccines are protected by maintaining the cold chain at all times. The optimal cold chain temperature for the majority vaccines is +2°C to +8°C. But, for some special vaccines, like new coronavirus vaccine, it cannot be removed from a temperature of -70°C.


To maintain the potency, the vaccine needs a freeze delivery chain:


1. Vaccines are sent to destination countries in special containers or cold boxes by air. These containers or cold boxes with tight fitting lid, are used with ice packs and insulating materials to hold the vaccines at desired temperatures during transport.


2. The vaccines may store in a ‘freezer farm’ for up to six months at destination countries.



3. The vaccine has ten days to reach the hospitals, clinics and medical centres in an unopened, cryogenic storage packing.




4. The vaccine can be stored for up to five days in a Purpose-built vaccine refrigerator (PBVR) between +2°C and +8°C after delivered. Domestic frost-free refrigerators (with or without freezer compartment) can be used if PBVR is not available, but it has to follow some precautions.

Keep vaccines contained in original packaging, inside designated storage trays or open-weave baskets with clear labeling for the type of vaccine. Temperature of every vaccine-storing refrigerator must be continuously monitored by a temperature data logger (either in-built or stand-alone) or a maximum-minimum thermometer.


5. Some medical centres may provide home vaccination services. For transporting vaccines, cold boxes equipped with ice packs, temperature data loggers/ maximum-minimum thermometers, and insulating materials should be used to and from venue.




To ensure the vaccines are safely transported, reliable and quality-guaranteed containers for transport and storage are important factors for safe and effective administration of vaccines, besides the standard operating procedures of transport and accredited staff are required.


Bel-Art offers a series of cryogenic products for transport and storage. 



-15ºC CRYO-SAFE MAXI COOLER

This cooler safely holds thirty-two 0.5, 1.5 or 2.0ml microcentrifuge tubes or cryogenic vials at a temperature below -15ºC for approximately 1½ hours. Use included insert to hold 0.5ml tubes. Store at -20ºC for 24 hours prior to use.


81-PLACE POLYPROPYLENE FREEZER STORAGE BOXES

Polypropylene storage boxes provide compact storage and keep cryo vials organized on the bench, in the freezer, or during transport. Unlike cardboard models these sturdy boxes are autoclavable and will not break down with exposure to moisture and heavy use.


CRYO TOWER STORAGE SYSTEMS

These polycarbonate storage towers are ideal for benchtop or incubator use, transportation, freezer and general purpose storage.


POP UP 2” POLYPROPYLENE FREEZER BOX

Save significant storage space and shipping costs. Shipped flat and easy to assemble, Pop Up 2" Freezer Boxes are made of polypropylene, and are sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of a low temperature environment (-86°C).


MICROCENTRIFUGE TUBE ICE RACK/TRAY

This tray with rack insert can accommodate up to fifty 1.5ml tubes (or other tubes with a diameter less than 12mm) for large volume benchtop processing. To further protect tubes during transport or storage while also maintaining stackability, an optional polypropylene cover is available.


MAGIC TOUCH 2 ICE PANS

Superior insulating properties combined with high chemical resistance make Magic Touch 2™ Ice Pans compatible not only with wet ice, but also with ultra-low temperature materials including dry ice, salt slurries, dry ice methanol slurries, or liquid nitrogen.


CRYOGENIC STORAGE LABELS

The strong, permanent adhesive on these labels withstands cold storage temperatures and maintains adhesion to glass, plastic, cardboard and more, even in liquid nitrogen.


H-B DURAC LIQUID-IN-GLASS MAXIMUM/MINIMUM THERMOMETER; ORGANIC LIQUID FILL

Features a U-shaped thermometer, mounted on a plastic casing, with metal floats at the top of each column. One float remains at the maximum temperature while the other float remains at the minimum temperature. Reset the floats by pushing the reset button. Waterproof. 

Maximum/Minimum thermometers are for use in high moisture or wet environments including green houses, sample prep areas and water treatment facilities.


H-B BLUETOOTH THERMOMETER HYGROMETER DATA LOGGERS

Enable remote monitoring and alerts by broadcasting readings to any Apple or Android smartphone or device with Bluetooth 4.0 or better utilizing the free THERMSmart app. Available in verification and environmental monitoring models.


FRIGIMAT DRY ICE MAKER

The Frigimat® eliminates the need to buy large quantities of dry ice when only a little is needed. It employs the Joule- Thomson effect to produce a solid 454gm (16 oz) block of dry ice in one to two minutes, and the block can be removed in just 30 seconds.