4.1. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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Equip all refrigerators with a monitoring device that provides continuous recording of current, minimum and maximum temperatures to ensure appropriate vaccine monitoring. If the device built into the refrigerator offers a digital display of the current temperature only, another monitoring device allowing monitoring of the minimum and maximum temperature must be installed.
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Ensure that all devices used have a certificate of traceability indicating that they have been calibrated and have a calibration accuracy of no more than 1°C.
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Have monitoring devices calibrated or replaced annually .
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Regardless of the monitoring device used, record the current, minimum and maximum temperatures twice a day, at the beginning and end of the day, even if the refrigerator is connected to a telephone exchange or an online monitoring system or is equipped with an alarm. Write these temperatures on the record as well as the date, time of reading and initials.
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Keep temperature records for 4 years.
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Ensure that all people who are called upon to handle vaccines know how the temperature monitoring devices work in their establishment, recognize a break in the cold chain and follow the established procedure.
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](https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/fichiers/2021/21-278-06W.pdf)
4.2.2. Minimum-maximum digital thermometer
Rules of use:
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Place the probe and glycol vial in an empty vaccine box in the center of the refrigerator.
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Install the thermometer clearly visible near the refrigerator.
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Record the current, minimum and maximum temperatures twice a day on the temperature record.
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Reset the thermometer after each reading by pressing the reset button.
References
Publications from the Department of Health and Social Services
Guide to Vaccine Management Standards and Practices
Temperature reading of refrigerated vaccines
Temperature reading of frozen vaccines
Identification label for vaccine packaging
Rules for storing vaccines in a home refrigerator
Request form for evaluation of immunizing products in the event of a break in the cold chain