Vaccine Storage- Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines

Vaccines are sensitive biological substances that can lose their potency and effectiveness if they are exposed to temperatures (heat and/or cold) outside of the required temperature range for the specific product.

Failure to adhere to vaccine handling and cold chain requirements may reduce vaccine potency and/or increased local reactions at the site of the vaccine administration. The loss of vaccine effectiveness due to cold chain exposures to adverse conditions is cumulative, permanent and irreversible.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine: The internal temperature of the unit should be stabilized between -80°C to -60°C (-112°F to -76°F) prior to stocking vaccine. Recommended storage temperature is -70°C.

Moderna  vaccine: The internal temperature of the unit should be stabilized at -25°C to -15°C (-13°F to +5°F) prior to stocking vaccine. Recommended storage temperature is -20°C.

Monitoring vaccine storage equipment and temperatures is a daily responsibility to ensure the safety of the vaccine supply. Facilities should implement routine monitoring activities to identify out-of-range temperatures quickly and take immediate action to correct them to prevent any loss of vaccines.

As there are several different data loggers required to monitor the specialized storage units, please consult the product specifications for your particular temperature data loggers, including the requirements for downloading and replacement.

Data loggers are continuous monitoring and recording devices that provide detailed information on all temperatures recorded at pre-set intervals. Data loggers provide the most accurate storage unit temperature information, including details on how long a unit has been operating outside the recommended temperature range.

Storage Requirements for COVID-19 Vaccine Products

Note: from health.gov