Vaccine handling and storage

• Stop using vaccines and inform all your staff to NOT use the vaccines.
• Keep the vaccines in the fridge.
• Place “DO NOT USE VACCINES” sign on fridge.
• Do not move the vaccines to an alternate storage unit (e.g., fridge or hard-sided cooler) without direction from Peel Public Health.
• Contact Peel Public Health immediately. Email Vaccine Management or leave a message at 905-791-7800 ext. 2840. Include your RMP_MS_XXXXX code, name, phone number or email, and facility name.
• Continue to monitor and document the fridge temperature in the temperature logbook (include date and time, current, maximum, minimum temperatures).

Peel Public Health only accepts the return of publicly funded expired, unsuitable for use due to a cold chain incident vaccine products (not including COVID-19 vaccine). Return expired and unusable vaccine products to Peel Public Health as soon as possible.

To return vaccines:

• Complete the vaccine wastage report.
• Place the completed vaccine wastage report along with the returned vaccines in a sealed or stapled bag. Vaccines being returned as unusable or expired DO NOT need to be returned in cold chain.
• Return vaccines to one of the drop off locations or via the courier if you are part of the vaccine delivery program.

Find vaccine drop off locations.

For additional support email the vaccine management team.

For information on vaccine storage, handling, and disposal of available COVID-19 antigens, refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID‑19 vaccine storage and handling guidance and relevant product monographs.

COVID-19 vaccine disposal

Vaccine doses wasted due to expiration or damage should not be returned to the local public health unit or the Ontario Government Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Service (OGPMSS). These doses must be disposed of in accordance with local, provincial, or federal regulations. See Appendix B of COVID‑19 Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidance)

Additional information:

• The beyond-use date (BUD)/must use by date indicates how long mRNA products remain viable once removed from frozen state and remain unpunctured. The BUD should be recorded on the vaccine box.
• Punctured times are different based on vaccine brand. The post-puncture date/time replaces the manufacturer and BUD dates but NEVER extends it. Always use the earliest date.
• The 'must use by date and time' must be documented on the punctured vials and pre-filled syringes. Refer to the COVID19 Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidance for the most up to date information.