For vaccines to be effective when injected they must be stored correctly including when you collect them from the clinic as well as how they are handled when you are on farm.
There is no sense going to all the trouble of vaccinating if the vaccine has been degraded by how we have handled it. The number one rule? Check the instructions on the vaccine box/label to ensure what we thought the correct storage method is, is the case. Look for the instructions on storage and how long a pack may be stored after it has been partially used.
Almost all livestock vaccines are stored at 2-8°C i.e. normal fridge temperature. Avoid freezing vaccines as this will damage the vaccine and cause it to not work as intended.
Vaccines are best carried in a chilly bag and placed into your refrigerator once back on farm or when the job is completed.
Other useful pointers: check fridges after power cuts; check fridge temperature periodically (especially in hot weather) and alteration of the thermostat setting; check door seals.
Keep livestock vaccines in the original carton and discard any unused vaccine that is past its expiry date or broach-period.
