What should you do if a vaccine is expired or out of proper storage conditions?

When a vaccine is expired or has not been stored according to proper conditions, the correct course of action is to report the issue in accordance with established protocols and follow guidelines for disposal. Vaccines that do not meet safety and efficacy standards can pose significant health risks to patients.

Using an expired vaccine or one that has been improperly stored might lead to ineffective immunization, which can compromise public health and individual patient safety. Furthermore, maintaining protocols for reporting and disposing of such vaccines ensures that proper records are kept and that there is accountability in vaccine administration.

Keeping an expired vaccine for potential future use is not advisable, as there is no guarantee that it will be effective or safe. The health and safety of patients must always come first, and this involves adhering strictly to vaccination standards and guidelines.