What key factor should be logged when storing vaccines?

When storing vaccines, it is crucial to log the temperature at which the vaccines are stored. Vaccines are highly sensitive to temperature variations; improper storage can lead to reduced efficacy and may render the vaccines ineffective. Maintaining the correct temperature ensures that the vaccines remain potent and safe for administration.

The recommended temperature range for most vaccines is typically 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for refrigeration, while some vaccines may require freezing temperatures. Regularly monitoring and documenting these temperatures helps ensure compliance with storage protocols and allows for quick action if temperatures fall outside of the recommended range, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the vaccines.

Other factors, such as the brand name, expiration dates, and patient names, while important for inventory management and patient records, do not directly impact the safe storage and handling of the vaccines in the same critical way that temperature logging does.