Journal article

Freezing temperatures in the vaccine cold chain: A systematic literature review

The dangers of accidental freezing of vaccines in the cold chain have prompted studies throughout the globe to better characterize the risk. To date, there has been no systematic review of these studies. This analysis highlights that accidental freezing is pervasive and occurs across all segments of the cold chain. Between 14% and 35% of refrigerators or transport shipments were found to have exposed vaccine to freezing temperatures, while in studies that examined all segments of distribution, between 75% and 100% of the vaccine shipments were exposed. More rigorous study designs were associated with higher levels of freeze exposure. As more expensive, freeze-sensitive vaccines are introduced into immunization schedules, freeze prevention will become increasingly critical for ensuring that the world\'s children are receiving fully potent vaccine.

Languages

  • English

Publisher

Elsevier

Journal

Vaccine

Volume

20

Type

Journal article

Categories

  • Supply chain & logistics

Topic references

FREEZE-PREVENTION-BACKGROUND

TitleAuthorYearTypeLanguage
Above Zero: Strategies to Prevent Vaccine FreezingPATH2013TrainingEnglish
Effects of freezing on vaccine potencyPATH2003GuidanceEnglish
Freezing temperatures in the vaccine cold chain: A systematic literature reviewCarib Nelson, Dipika M. Matthias, Joanie Robertson, Michelle M. Garrison, Sophie NewlandJournal articleEnglish
Is freezing in the vaccine cold chain an ongoing issue? A literature reviewAdama Sawadogo, Anupa M. George, Benjamin Schreiber, Celina M. HansonJournal articleEnglish