Vaccines Storage Should Not be Compromised by Unstable Freezer and Refrigerator Temperatures

Vaccine season has taken on a different look this year. What has changed and how can logistics companies meet the challenges? PHC Corporation of North America shares an overview and a few key points to consider.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a naturally occurring molecule within the cells of our bodies. Unlike its stable cousin, DNA, mRNA’s natural structure is meant to easily degrade once it has delivered the required “instructions” the cell needs to divide, fight diseases, or simply live.

Many decades of research have allowed scientists to utilize mRNA research and medical biotechnologies. The latest innovation, though, has an unusually bright spotlight: utilization of mRNA in the form of a COVID-19 vaccine. The concept is straightforward. Scientists artificially produce mRNA molecules containing the “instructions” that direct our cells to create the particles to fight the COVID-19 virus.

Compared to traditional vaccine development, mRNA vaccines are relatively simple to design and manufacture. This made them leading candidates in the urgent race for a COVID-19 vaccine. However, maintaining mRNA stability while outside of our bodies presents a multitude of logistical hurdles, each requiring careful attention.

mRNA utilized in research and clinical laboratories is traditionally stored -80°C freezers. Ultra-low temperatures arrest molecular movement and enzyme activity within mRNA samples, preserving their structure and function for many years. An ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer is a staple in every life science laboratory, but in clinics and hospitals where conventional vaccines are stored between 2-8°C, specialized freezers generally do not exist. Many non-traditional locations are also in contention for vaccine distribution this year, such as stadiums and parking lots. To further add to the complexity, two leading mRNA vaccine manufacturers will require two separate temperature storage points (-20°C & -80°C), requiring separate, specialized units.

Vaccine administration sites must be quickly equipped with appropriate cold storage equipment:

• In the upcoming weeks and months, approved vaccines will require different temperature setpoints, including -80°C, -20°C and 2°C - 8°C. Though we may see frozen coronavirus vaccines first, those stored at refrigerated temperatures are likely to quickly follow.
• When considering ULT freezers, it is critical to focus on performance: uniformity of temperature in the chamber when the door is closed and the ability to recover cold temperatures after a door opening. A critical balance of low energy consumption, longevity and temperature performance make the for best COVID-19 vaccine ULT freezer.
• It’s critical that vaccines stored and transported at subzero temperatures complete a “thawing” event inside a refrigerator specifically designed for storage at 2°C -8°C before patient administration. Cold storage equipment that is purpose-built for vaccine storage is critical
• The inability of an ultra-low temperature freezer to provide stable temperatures at designated setpoints may compromise the vaccine’s viability, leading to improper immunization of the public and possible financial loss.

For over 50 years, PHCbi brand biomedical freezers and pharmaceutical refrigerators have offered a comprehensive selection of cold-chain storage solutions for high-value vaccines and other biologics. The units feature cabinets that are based on high performance refrigeration platforms engineered for reliability, temperature uniformity, fast temperature recovery, and tolerance for real-world conditions. Many of the models have been evaluated by ENERGY STAR and all can be supplemented by remote data monitoring. PHCbi also offers extensive pre-delivery calibration and validation services to further enhance purchase confidence.

Learn more at https://www.phchd.com/us/biomedical/vaccine-cold-chain-storage