NEW National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ 3rd edition & resource collection available!

The Australian Government’s Department of Health has just released the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ 3rd edition and a range of associated resources.

As described by the Department of Health “the Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ provides information and advice for vaccine storage management for Australian immunisation service providers, from medical practices to large hospitals, clinics and outreach providers.

‘Strive for 5’ refers to 5 degrees celsius (°C) — that is, the point midway between +2°C and +8°C which is the temperature range recommended for vaccine storage. Many vaccines are damaged or destroyed at temperatures outside this range.

These guidelines:

• Describe the best approach to ensure that clients receive effective and potent vaccines
• Describe the ‘cold chain’ and provide advice on what should be done in the event of a cold chain breach
• Include resources such as checklists, charts, posters and stickers.”

General practices undergoing accreditation against the RACGP Standards for general practices 5th edition are required to comply with the new 3rd edition National Vaccine Storage Guidelines.

Our team will undergo an analysis of the key changes from the 2nd edition and will advise of this information once available. In the meantime, if you have any queries, contact your local state/territory health department.

Download a copy of the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ 3rd edition and visit the Department of Health’s website to download associated resources, with the ability to order posters and stickers.