This message was sent to AIM, FAB, Health Systems, INE, IAP, LHD Health Officers, LHD Medical Directors, MACI, MACI 2, PH Imms Leads, MCIR Region Contacts, COVID-19 Vaccine Providers, and Imms All Staff. I apologize for any duplications

Dear Immunization Partners,

Please share the following information with providers in your jurisdictions.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of Immunization has recently made an update in the Michigan VFC Provider Manual.

We have had many inquiries regarding storing and transporting vaccine in plastic bags. MDHHS contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding their guidance on this issue and used their recommendations to revise our VFC Provider Manual. See the italicized additions below.

Page 33:

• It is recommended that vaccines be stored in original packaging with lids closed until preparation per manufacturers and CDC’s guidance.
  • Loose vials/syringes may be exposed to light and reduce potency; loose vaccine may also cause difficulty in tracking expiration, increase errors, and impact inventory management.
  • The only exception to storing in original packaging is when this is not feasible due to the unit manufacturer. For example, certain purpose-built units involve storing vaccines outside of the packaging for purposes of auto-dispensing (i.e., “Accuvax”). Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance. If using these units, save the original boxes in case of transport. For guidance on these units, see this section (Variations in Purpose-Built Units, page 37).
  • If necessary, vaccine may be stored in a light-sensitive plastic bag labeled with appropriate vaccine information, including beyond-use-date (BUD) and time if applicable. It is recommended that the plastic bags be amber light sensitive bags which protects contents from being damaged by ultraviolet light. This is not a recommended method of storage.

Page 47:

When transporting vaccines, it is recommended that the manufacturers and CDC’s guidance always be followed. Transporting vaccine is not recommended and should not occur routinely. Follow your Vaccine Management & Emergency Response Plan if transporting.

CDC recommends transporting vaccines in their original packaging with lids closed until ready for administration. Vials and manufacturer-filled syringes should always be stored in their original packaging. Loose vials or syringes may be exposed to unnecessary light, potentially reducing potency, and may be more difficult to track for expiration dates. This may also impact inventory management and increase the risk of administration errors because they may be confused with other vaccines.

If necessary, vaccine may be transported in a light-sensitive plastic bag labeled with appropriate vaccine information, including beyond-use-date (BUD) and time if applicable. It is recommended that the plastic bags be amber light sensitive bags which protects contents from being damaged by ultraviolet light. This is not a recommended method of storage.

The above guidance applies to viable vaccine that is currently being stored or transported at recommended temperatures. We are currently reviewing CDC guidance regarding storage of vaccine that is expired or has been involved in an excursion.  Updated recommendations will be sent out via email once finalized.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at checcimms@michigan.gov.

Thank you so much for your hard work protecting Michiganders from vaccine preventable diseases.

The Immunization Nurse Education Team,
Andrea, Dianne, Heidi, Lisa, Sarah, and Terri