January 2007
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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• DT, Td
• DTaP, DTaP/Hib,
  DTaP/HepB/IPV, Tdap
• HBIG
• Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B,
  Hepatitis A/B, Hepatitis B/Hib
• Hib
• IPV
• TIV (Influenza)
• LAIV (Influenza)
• MMR. MR, Measles Virus, Mumps Virus, Rubella Virus

• MMRV
• MCV4: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Groups A, C, Y, W-135
• MPSV4: Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, Groups A, C, Y, W-135
• PCV, Pneumococcal Conjugate
  (7-Valent)
• PPV, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide
• Rotavirus
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Zoster

• DT—Pediatric: Diphtheria, Tetanus Toxoids
• Td—Adult: Tetanus, Diphtheria Toxoids

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Use
Shake vial vigorously before withdrawal and use.

Shelf Life after Opening
The vaccine should be administered shortly after withdrawal from the vial. Unused portions of multidose vials may be refrigerated at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C) and used until outdated, if not contaminated.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

• DTaP—Pediatric: Diphtheria Toxoid, Tetanus Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine
• DTaP/Hib—Pediatric: Diphtheria Toxoid, Tetanus Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Combined with Haemophilus influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine*
• DTaP/HepB/IPV—Pediatric: Diphtheria Toxoid, Tetanus Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Inactivated Polio Vaccine
• Tdap—Adult: Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival**
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial, container, or manufacturer-filled syringe.

Instructions for Reconstitution* or Use
Shake well before withdrawal and use. Do not use if resuspension does not occur with vigorous shaking.

Shelf Life after Reconstitution* or Opening
    Single-Dose Vials: The vaccine should be administered
    shortly after withdrawal from the vial.

    Manufacturer-Filled Syringes: The vaccine should be
    administered shortly after the needle is attached to
    the syringe.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

*ActHIB® (sanofi pasteur) should be used within 24 hours of reconstitution if used alone. If sanofi pasteur DTaP is used to reconstitute ActHIB®, the TriHibit® vaccine must be used within 30 minutes of reconstitution. Only sanofi pasteur DTaP-Tripedia® or the diluent shipped with the product may be used to reconstitute the sanofi pasteur ActHIB® product. Sanofi pasteur DAPTACEL® is not licensed for use in reconstitution of ActHIB®.

** If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

HBIG: Hepatitis B Immune Globulin

   
Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased version.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Reconstitution or Use
Shake vial vigorously before withdrawal and use.

Shelf Life after Reconstitution or Opening
Use until outdated, if not contaminated.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

Hepatitis Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A/B, Hepatitis B/Haemophilus influenzae type b

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased version.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial, container or manufacturer-filled syringe.

Instructions for Use
Shake vial vigorously before withdrawal and use.

Shelf Life after Opening
    Single-Dose Vials: The vaccine should be administered
    shortly after withdrawal from the vial.

    Manufacturer-Filled Syringes: The vaccine should be
    administered shortly after the needle is attached to
    the syringe.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Reconstitution** or Use
Shake vial vigorously before withdrawal and use. Do not use if resuspension does not occur with vigorous shaking.

Shelf Life after Reconstitution** or Opening
The vaccine should be administered shortly after withdrawal from the vial.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

** ACTHIB® (sanofi pasteur) should be used within 24 hours of reconstitution if used alone. If sanofi pasteur DTaP is used to reconstitute ACTHIB®, the TriHibit® vaccine must be used within 30 minutes of reconstitution. Only sanofi pasteur DTaP-Tripedia® or the diluent shipped with the product may be used to reconstitute the sanofi pasteur ACTHIB® product. Sanofi pasteur DAPTACEL® is not licensed for use in reconstitution of ActHIB®.

IPV: Inactivated Polio Vaccine

   
Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Use
Multidose Vials: Shake vial vigorously before withdrawal and use. Withdraw 0.5 mL of vaccine into separate sterile needle and syringe for each immunization.

Shelf Life After Opening
The vaccine should be administered shortly after withdrawal from the vial. Doses remaining in the vial may be until outdated if not contaminated.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

TIV: Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

   
Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Formulated for use during current influenza season.

Instructions for Use
Shake vial vigorously before withdrawal and use.

Shelf Life After Opening
   Multidose Vials: The vaccine should be administered
   shortly after withdrawal from the vial.

   Manufacturer-Filled Syringes: Sterile until removal of
   hub cap.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

LAIV: Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine

Condition upon Arrival*
Should be frozen at 4°F (-20°C) or colder; must NOT have thawed in shipment. (All windows in WarmMark™ indicator should be white. If any indicator windows are red, do not use the product. Call the manufacturer for further instructions.)

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased online.

Storage Requirements
Upon arrival, immediately store the vaccine in a freezer with its own exterior door. Must be maintained in a continuously frozen state at 5°F (-15°C) or colder. No freeze/thaw cycles are permitted with this vaccine. May be stored in either a manual defrost freezer or in a frost-free freezer compartment.

In order to maintain the temperature of 5°F (-15°C) or colder in the freezer, it will be necessary in most refrigerator/freezer models to turn the temperature dial down to the coldest setting. This may result in the refrigerator compartment temperature being lowered as well. Careful monitoring of the refrigerator temperatures will be necessary to avoid freezing killed or inactivated vaccines.

NOTE: The manufacturer supplied freezer box is not longer required for storage of LAIV vaccine in a frost-free freezer.

Shelf Life
Formulated for use during current influenza season.

Instructions for Use
Thaw sprayer in palm of hand before administering. Do not roll the vaccine sprayer in your hand, as this may dislodge the dose divider clip. May also be thawed in a refrigerator and stored at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C) for no more than 60 hours prior to use. Do not refreeze after thawing.

Shelf Life After Thawing
The vaccine should be administered shortly after thawing. Vaccine thawed in the refrigerator and stored at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C) that is not used within 60 hours must be discarded in an impenetrable sharps container.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

NOTE: All materials used for administering live virus vaccines should be burned, boiled, or autoclaved prior to disposal.

• MMR: Measles/Mumps/Rubella Vaccine,
• MR: Measles/Rubella Vaccine,
• Measles Virus Vaccine,
• Mumps Virus Vaccine,
• Rubella Virus Vaccine

Shipping Requirements

Vaccine: Use insulated container. Must be shipped with refrigerant. Maintain at 50°F (10°C) or less. If shipped with dry ice, diluent must be shipped separately.

Diluent: May be shipped with vaccine, but do not place in container with dry ice.

Condition upon Arrival*
Maintain at 50°F (10°C) or less. If above this temperature, see instructions (*) below. Do not use warm vaccine. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased version.

Storage Requirements
Vaccine may be stored separately from diluent. Store as follows:

Vaccine: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Protect from light at all times, since such exposure may inactivate the virus.

Diluent: May be refrigerated or stored at room temperature (68° to 77°F [20° to 25°C]). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

NOTE: Freeze-dried (lyophilized) MMR vaccine may be maintained at freezer temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on container or vial.

Instructions for Reconstitution and Use
Reconstitute just before using. Use only the diluent supplied to reconstitute the vaccine. Inject diluent into the vial of lyophilized vaccine and agitate to ensure thorough mixing. Withdraw entire contents into syringe and inject total volume of vaccine subcutaneously.

Shelf Life After Reconstitution, Thawing or Opening
After reconstitution, use immediately or store in a dark place at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Discard if not used within 8 hours.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

NOTE: All materials used for administering live virus vaccines should be burned, boiled, or autoclaved prior to disposal.

Shipping Requirements

Vaccine: Use insulated container. Must be shipped with dry ice only, at 4°F (-20°C) or colder. Should be delivered within 2 days.

Diluent: May be shipped with vaccine, but do not place in container with dry ice.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should be frozen. Vaccine should remain at 4°F (-20°C) or colder until arrival at the healthcare facility. Dry ice should still be present in the shipping container when vaccine is delivered.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased version.

Storage Requirements
Freeze immediately upon arrival. Maintain vaccine in a continuously frozen state at 5°F (-15°C) or colder. No freeze/thaw cycles are allowed with this vaccine. Vaccine should only be stored in freezers or refrigerators/freezers with separate doors and compartments. Acceptable storage may be achieved in standard household freezers purchased in the last 10 years, and standard household refrigerator/freezers with a separate, sealed freezer compartment. Dormitory-style units are not appropriate for the storage of MMRV vaccine. Do not store lyophilized vaccine in the refrigerator. If lyophilized vaccine is inadvertently stored in the refrigerator, it should be discarded.

Protect the vaccine from light at all times since such exposure may inactivate the vaccine viruses.

In order to maintain temperatures of 5°F (-15°C) or colder, it will be necessary in most refrigerator/freezer models to turn the temperature dial down to the coldest setting. This may result in the refrigerator compartment temperature being lowered as well. Careful monitoring of the refrigerator temperature will be necessary to avoid freezing killed or inactivated vaccines.

Diluent: May be refrigerated or stored at room temperature (68° to 77°F [20° to 25° C]). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on container or vial.

Instructions for Reconstitution and Use
Reconstitute just before using. Use only the diluent supplied to reconstitute the vaccine.

Shelf Life After Reconstitution, Thawing or Opening:
Discard reconstituted vaccine if it is not used within 30 minutes. Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

NOTE: All materials used for administering live virus vaccines should be burned, boiled, or autoclaved prior to disposal.

MCV4: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine,
Groups A, C, Y, W-135

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures. Protect from light.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Use
Follow manufacturer's directions.

Shelf Life After Opening
The vaccine should be administered shortly after withdrawal from the vial.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first. Vaccine should be injected by the intramuscular route. Do not inject intradermally, subcutaneously, or intravenously.

MPSV4 Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine,
Groups A, C, Y, W-135

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Reconstitution and Use
Reconstitute gently. This is a white powder that yields a clear, colorless liquid when reconstituted with 0.6 ml (single-dose vial) or 6 ml (10-dose vial) of sterile distilled water.

Shelf Life After Reconstitution or Opening
   Single-Dose Vials: Use within 30 minutes of reconstitution.

   Multidose Vials: Unused portions of multidose vials may
   be refrigerated at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C) and used up
   to 35 days after reconstitution.

Special Instructions
Diluent to be used is sterile, distilled water for injection; diluent for 10-dose vial also contains 0.01% thimerosal. Reconstituted vaccine should be injected subcutaneously. Do not inject intradermally, intramuscularly, or intravenously.

Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

PCV: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (7-Valent)

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Use
Vaccine should appear as a homogenous white suspension after vigorous shaking. The vaccine should be administered intramuscularly only.

Shelf Life After Opening
The vaccine should be administered shortly after withdrawal from the vial.

Special Instructions
This vaccine is a suspension containing adjuvant and should not be used if the particles cannot be resuspended after vigorous shaking.

Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

PPV: Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (Polyvalent)

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on vial or container.

Instructions for Use
Follow manufacturer's directions.

Shelf Life After Opening
   Single-Dose Vials: The vaccine should be administered
   shortly after withdrawal from the vial.

   Multidose Vials: Unused portions of multidose vials may
   be refrigerated at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C) and used until
   outdated, if not contaminated.

Special Instructions
Do not inject intravenously. Intradermal administration may cause severe local reactions and should be avoided.

Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

Rotavirus Vaccine

Shipping Requirements
Should be shipped in insulated container. Maintain temperature at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Conditions upon Arrival*
Should not have been frozen or exposed to freezing temperatures. Refrigerate upon arrival.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Store at 35° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures. Protect from light at all times.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on container or vial.

Instructions for Use
Each does is supplied in a container consisting of a squeezable plastic, latex-free dosing tube with a twist-off cap, allowing for direct oral administration. The dosing tube is contained in a pouch. Remove the dosing tube from the pouch, screw the cap counter-clockwise so that the liquid can be squeezed from the tube during oral administration of the vaccine.

Shelf Life After Opening
   Single-Dose Pouches: The vaccine should be administered
   shortly after withdrawal from the refrigerator. The dosing tube
   should not be returned to the refrigerator once the screw cap
   has been removed.

Special Instructions
Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

NOTE: All materials used for administering live virus vaccines should be burned, boiled, or autoclaved prior to disposal.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

Shipping Requirements

Vaccine: Use insulated container. Must be shipped with dry ice only, at 4°F (-20°C) or colder. Should be delivered within 2 days.

Diluent: May be shipped with vaccine, but do not place in container with dry ice.

Conditions upon Arrival*
Should be frozen. Vaccine should remain at 4°F (-20°C) or colder until arrival at the healthcare facility. Dry ice should still be present in the shipping container when vaccine is delivered.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased vaccine.

Storage Requirements

Vaccine: Freeze immediately upon arrival. Maintain vaccine in a continuously frozen state at 5°F (-15°C) or colder. No freeze/ thaw cycles are allowed with this vaccine. Vaccine should only be stored in freezers or refrigerator/freezers with separate doors and compartments. Acceptable storage may be achieved in standard household freezers purchased in the last 10 years, and standard household refrigerator/freezers with a separate, sealed freezer compartment. "Dormitory-style" units are not appropriate for the storage of varicella vaccine.

In order to maintain temperatures of 5°F (-15°C) or colder, it will be necessary in most refrigerator/freezer models to turn the temperature dial down to the coldest setting. This may result in the refrigerator compartment temperature being lowered as well. Careful monitoring of the refrigerator temperature will be necessary to avoid freezing killed or inactivated vaccines.

Diluent: May be refrigerated or stored at room temperature [68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)]. Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on container or vial.

Instructions for Reconstitution and Use
Reconstitute just before using. Use only the diluent supplied to reconstitute the vaccine.

Shelf Life After Reconstitution, Thawing, or Opening
Protect from light. Discard if not used within 30 minutes of reconstitution.

Special Instructions
If this vaccine is stored at a temperature warmer than 5°F
(-15°C), it will result in a loss of potency and a reduced shelf life. If a power outage or some other situation occurs that results in the vaccine storage temperature rising above the recommended temperature, the healthcare provider should contact Merck, the vaccine manufacturer, at 1-800-609-4618 for a reevaluation of the product's potency before using the vaccine. Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

Single-antigen varicella vaccine only may be stores at refrigerator temperature 36°-46°F (2°-8°C), for up to 72 continuous hours prior to reconstitution. Single-antigen varicella vaccine stored at 36°-46° F (2°-8°C) that is not used within 72 hours of removal from 5°F (-15°C) storage should be discarded.

NOTE: All materials used for administering live virus vaccines should be burned, boiled, or autoclaved prior to disposal.

Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine

Shipping Requirements

Vaccine: Use insulated container. Must be shipped with dry ice only, at 4°F (-20°C) or colder. Should be delivered within 2 days.

Diluent: May be shipped with vaccine, but do not place in container with dry ice.

Condition upon Arrival*
Should be frozen. Vaccine should remain at 4°F (-20°C) or colder until arrival at the healthcare facility. Dry ice should still be present in the shipping container when vaccine is delivered.

* If you have any questions about the condition of the material at the time of delivery, you should 1) immediately place material in recommended storage; and 2) notify the Quality Control office at the vaccine manufacturer; and 3) notify your state health department immunization program if vaccine was publicly purchased version.

Storage Requirements

Vaccine: Freeze immediately upon arrival. Maintain vaccine in a continuously frozen state at 5°F (-15°C) or colder. No freeze/thaw cycles are allowed with this vaccine. Vaccine should only be stored in freezers or refrigerators/freezers with separate doors and compartments. Acceptable storage may be achieved in standard household freezers purchased in the last 10 years, and standard household refrigerator/freezers with a separate, sealed freezer compartment. Dormitory-style units are not appropriate for the storage of Zoster vaccine. Do Not Store lyopilized vaccine in the refrigerator. Protect the vaccine from light at all times since such exposure may inactivate the vaccine viruses.

In order to maintain temperatures of 5°F (-15°C) or colder, it will be necessary in most refrigerator/freezer models to turn the temperature dial down to the coldest setting. This may result in the refrigerator compartment temperature being lowered as well. Careful monitoring of the refrigerator temperature will be necessary to avoid freezing killed or inactivated vaccines.

Diluent: May be refrigerated or stored at room temperature (68° to 77°F [20° to 25° C]). Do not freeze or expose to freezing temperatures.

Shelf Life
Check expiration date on container or vial.

Instructions for Reconstitution and Use
Reconstitute just before using. Use only the diluent supplied to reconstitute the vaccine.

Shelf Life After Reconstitution, Thawing or Opening
Discard reconstituted vaccine if it is not used within 30 minutes.
Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine.

Special Instructions
If this vaccine is stored at a temperature warmer than 5°F (15°C), it will result in a loss of potency and a reduced shelf life. If a power outage or some other situation occurs that results in the vaccine storage temperature rising above the recommended temperature, the healthcare provider should contact Merck, the vaccine manufacturer, at 1-800-MERCK-90 for a reevaluation of the product potency before using the vaccine. Rotate stock so that the earliest dated material is used first.

NOTE: All materials used for administering live virus vaccines should be burned, boiled, or autoclaved prior to disposal.

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