Refrigerators and freezers are an important link in the temperature-controlled supply chain. The decision to acquire additional cold chain equipment should be based on several criteria, most important of which are the current existing storage capacities for vaccines and the anticipated future storage requirements. The procurement of cold chain equipment should be based on national policy, Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) strategies and according to planned national asset acquisition and replacement policies.

This document provides guidance on procurement of mains-powered compression system refrigerators and freezers for vaccine storage.