Cold Chain Break (ASC)

Cold Chain break (Adverse Storage Condition) must be reported to the Health Unit as soon as discovered

When you suspect that vaccine has been exposed to temperatures below +2ºC or above +8ºC.

Vaccines may become ineffective if the vaccine fridge temperature readings are below +2ºC and/or above +8ºC for any length of time.

If these vaccines are administered to a patient, they may cause a localized reaction as well as not provide the protection needed.

If you suspect or know you’ve had a cold chain break:

Do not use and do not discard any of the exposed vaccines at this time.
Place all of the vaccines in a labelled container (or bag), marked with the date and time and “DO NOT USE.”
Call the public health unit immediately to report the vaccine exposure. 1-800-660-5853 on voice recognition request “Cold Chain”.
We need the following information as soon as possible in order to determine if you are still able to use the vaccines, or if they need to be disposed of.
- Number of vials, lot number and expiration date for all publically funded vaccines in the affected vaccine fridge
- Recent temperature logs – at least 2 weeks – so we can see patterns of temperatures over time
- Where is the vaccine now? Back in the fridge, another vaccine fridge?
To provide us with this information please fill out this online form
- If you have questions, or need assistance, please contact us at [email protected]
- The sooner we receive this information, the sooner we can let you know if your vaccines are still viable and may be used.
You may need to cancel appointments for vaccinations as we are not able to immediately replace your vaccine supply.