Course description

In the UK, vaccination programmes are undertaken predominantly in primary care although many vaccines are also administered in occupational health (private companies and NHS secondary care), private travel clinics, school and military settings. Vaccines and many medications such as insulin and chemotherapy require storage in the ?cold chain', which in this case involves maintaining a temperature range of between +2?C and +8?C. Therefore, the topic of cold chain storage is wide-reaching and important in vaccine management.

This module focuses on vaccine storage and handling in the healthcare setting, with minimal reference to ordering and disposal of vaccines. However, resources will also direct the reader to further information and perhaps evoke greater consideration for more unusual settings such as the home or travel abroad.

Don't forget that you do not have to complete our two-hour learning modules all in one go. Tailor your learning to fit into your busy schedule by undertaking one or two sections at a time. You can stop and save your learning at any point and pick up where you left off when you return.

Learning aims and intended outcomes

• Define the cold chain and describe the importance of such knowledge
• Identify the elements required to ensure safe vaccine storage and handling
• Apply knowledge of safe vaccine storage and handling to practice and consider writing a protocol for your workplace
• Evaluate the principles of vaccine storage and apply this knowledge, where appropriate, to more unusual settings